Motoring organisations have condemned a council blunder which meant police could not enforce speed limits in parts of Oxfordshire.

The Oxford Mail exclusively revealed an error over bringing in new 30mph speed limits on more than 50 stretches of road in the Vale of White Horse.

A new law was passed on July 18, but old road signs were still in place in some areas, meaning the law and the signs did not match. This made the signs illegal and the prosecution of motorists impossible.

Thames Valley Police suspended all speed enforcement until all new signs were in place. The county council hopes to have all the road signs changed by tomorrow or Thursday.

Director of the RAC Foundation Edmund King said: "There is no reason why they should not have put up temporary signs.

"The council appear to have totally messed up and we hope that it won't compromise road safety."

AA spokesman Rebecca Rees said: "Motorists tell us the reason they drive too fast is because they are unaware of what the speed limit is and this will only make matters worse."