MOTORIST Damien Smith, who was caught driving through Avebury at more than twice the 30mph limit, has been spared a driving ban because of his exemplary driving record.

Smith, 28, a computer specialist from Gloucester Road, Trowbridge, told Kennet magistrates in Devizes on Tuesday he had missed the 30mph sign on the A4361 and so didn't realise he was breaking the law when he registered 62mph on a police speed camera shortly after 2pm on December 9 last year.

Duty solicitor Paul Jones told the court Smith had driven up to 30,000 business miles a year in the last five years without a single driving conviction, the equivalent of 15 years of driving for the normal motorist.

Mr Jones said: "He admits it was an error on his part not seeing the 30mph sign. His employers run their own driver awareness course which my client will take advantage of. The hope is you will never see him before this court again."

Magistrates fined Smith £240, endorsed his licence with six penalty points, but did not ban him from driving.