A FOREIGNER caught speeding on camera in an accident blackspot in Worcester was let off scot-free by West Mercia Constabulary - as he does not hold a UK driving licence.

In a letter sent by West Mercia Central Ticket Office and leaked to the Worcester News, Victor Emanuel Sousa Trindade from Angel Place was told "no further action" would be taken in respect of his speeding offence.

"This decision has been made as you do not hold a UK driving licence," it added.

The decision has sparked outrage from mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, who told the Worcester News he would now be seeking urgent assurances from the transport secretary that the practice would be stopped.

"It is crucial the law is dealt even-handedly to everyone," he said.

"While I support measures to curb speeding restrictions, they will be undermined if people think they are not being treated fairly.

"I will also be seeking to ensure this practice doesn't apply to other road traffic offences such as driving without insurance."

The law-abiding driver who sent us the letter - and who wished to remain anonymous - said: "Surely this discriminates against the legal driver who would not have a hope in hell of getting off a speed camera prosecution."

"What a terrible state of affairs this country has fallen into."

The letter, dated Wednesday, January 26, describes how Mr Trindade's Ford Fiesta was caught exceeding the speed limit on City Walls Road on November 17, 2004.

It goes on to say that excessive speed is a major cause of road collisions and even describes how the site where the car was recorded committing the offence "has a record of such accidents".

A spokesman for West Mercia Constabulary said incidents were reviewed on a case by case basis.

"Where it is appropriate and proportionate, the matter will be put before the court," he added.

He said under current law, it is not possible for the courts to require the production of a foreign driving licence for endorsement.

"However, a range of other penalties including fines, is available to the courts to deal with traffic offences.

"The Road Safety Bill currently before Parliament makes further provisions with respect to endorsements for road traffic offences in future."