Last updated at 16:00 27 June 2007

Is this the fastest man in the world? Any passer-by reading the speed indicator sign could be forgiven for thinking so - but in fact the broken machine has been clocking motorists at up to 10 times their actual speed.

The Gatso camera in Preston, Lancashire, was replaced with the device in March as part of a six-month trial.

The signs, which have also been installed in Grimsargh and Abbey Village, near Chorley, Lancashire, are designed to flash up with drivers' speeds if they exceed the 30mph limit.

More follows...

But residents have been left confused after the sign told them they were a driving several times faster than their speedometer was telling them.

DJ Glenn Masters, who lives off Tag Lane, was clocked travelling at 50, 175 and 255mph along the road on three separate occasions in the last week.

He said: "When it was first installed I thought it was a good idea because it reminds drivers of their speed and tells them to slow down.

"But when you are driving along doing 30mph and it's telling you you're going much faster, it's ridiculous.

"Even Lewis Hamilton would have difficulty getting up to those speeds!"

John Davies, project manager for the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, has promised to investigate.

He said: "We will go out and have a look for ourselves. If there is a problem, we will get it resolved."