A DRIVER clocked speeding has avoided a ban to protect her job and home.

Lauren Berry, of Oaklands Road, Ollerton, Knutsford, pleaded guilty to exceeding the 30mph speed limit at Chester Magistrates’ Court on July 15.

The 42-year-old was caught speeding on an automatic camera while driving a Volkswagen northbound on the A50 Toft Road in Knutsford on March 5, this year.

The speed limit was signified by street lighting placed at less than 200 yard intervals, the court heard.

Magistrates decided not to impose a 'totting' disqualification after listening to mitigating circumstances.

Berry said if she was unable to drive she would lose her job and this could lead to the loss of her home as she would be unable to pay her mortgage.

A driving ban would also have an impact on her family, the court was told.

The defendant was fined £316 and ordered to pay £126 victim surcharge and £110 costs.

Her driving licence was endorsed with three points.

Magistrates took her guilty plea into consideration when imposing the sentence.

Berry was granted permission to pay the £552 court penalty in £100 monthly instalments starting on August 12.