Speed camera operators in Lancashire, UK face disciplinary action following the announcement today that equipment had been miscalibrated in such a way that innocent motorists received speed camera citations. Last October, the UK Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launched a wide-ranging investigation into police staff conduct and the handling of photo enforcement paperwork. As a result of operator misconduct, 545 bogus speed camera tickets worth £35,000 (US $70,000) will be refunded and 1500 license penalty points will be canceled. An additional 2115 illegally issued tickets were canceled after the discovery of the mishandled paperwork. The total revenue lost to the ticketing operation stands at £159,600 (US $319,200).

"Concerns over the work of these individuals has resulted in a number of convictions having to be overturned," IPCC Commissioner Naseem Malik said in a statement. "Once the disciplinary panels have been held, the IPCC will issue further details about the findings of the investigations."

Lancashire Constabulary will now convene an internal disciplinary panel to consider misconduct charges against one speed camera operator and two employees who handled paperwork. Crown prosecutors declined to press criminal charges, and the IPCC cleared two other employees of wrongdoing.

The IPCC is continuing its review to determine whether any additional tickets were illegally issued.