Hundreds of motorists clocked speeding through extensive motorway roadworks have escaped prosecution - because of a dispute between highways chiefs.

The MEN has learned that not a single speeding fine has been issued since the first of 50 average speed cameras were placed on the M60 and M62 three weeks ago.

It is understood that a spat over paperwork has led to hundreds of speeding motorists escaping punishment.

(Image: Google)

The speed limit has been set at 50mph through a 17-mile stretch of motorway from junction 8 of the M60 at Stretford to junction 20 of the M62 at Rochdale as work starts on a £208m upgrade.

The cameras are in perfect working order but it is understood police have refused to issue fixed penalty notices, blaming Highways Agency officials for failing to obtain the correct ‘traffic regulation order’ which makes any speed limit lawful.

A source told the MEN: “It just wasn’t worded properly. We challenged them about it but they’ve done nothing about. The order they came up with would have been challenged at some point and we would have lost, resulting in an enormous payout years from now.

“It means no-one has been prosecuted or handed a fixed penalty notice for speeding since the cameras were switched on. Motorists aren’t daft. They’ll work it out in the end. The Highways Agency need to sort this out fast.”

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: “Greater Manchester Police, who are responsible for enforcement on the scheme, have requested that we make minor revisions to the wording of the temporary traffic regulation order for the M60/M62 to make sure it fully meets their requirements.

“We urge drivers to be responsible and to adhere to the speed limit which has been put in place for their own safety and that of our workforce”.

Unveiling the latest phase of the ‘smart motorway’ plan last week, Highways Agency bosses confirmed 32 average speed check cameras were up and running with a further 16 to come into operation imminently.

The cameras will remain until the project is completed in autumn 2017.

Mobile police patrols have continued to trap speeders on the motorway.

GMP were unable to comment on the matter last night.

'Drive through' the planned Smart Motorway