PC David Mayes was hauled before a force misconduct panel to explain his actions and given "a substantial fine" for his behaviour - which was condemned by road safety groups at the time for putting the lives of others at risk.

South Yorkshire Police have refused to reveal how much the officer was fined.

The 34-year-old was summoned to the misconduct hearing after a speed camera on Halifax Road, Grenoside, Sheffield, twice caught him speeding with both hands off the wheel while giving the thumbs up in July last year.

In one of the photographs a female colleague in the front passenger seat was also captured grinning while giving the thumbs up.

The cameras are designed to give a clear picture of motorists breaking the speed limit to reduce the number of drivers who try to blame others for being behind the wheel at the time.

Mayes was fined £400 by magistrates in February and banned from driving for six months. He admitted two counts of careless driving and the court heard he took his hands off the wheel while driving at 68mph and 73mph in a 40mph zone while responding to 999 calls.

He was taken off front-line policing duties pending the outcome of the hearing but has now been allowed back to his normal operational duties in Sheffield.

It has not been revealed whether he will be allowed to drive police vehicles again once he becomes eligible to re-apply for his driving licence in August.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said he will have to be re-assessed at the end of his ban.

He added: "The officer concerned appeared before a misconduct hearing as his conduct fell below what South Yorkshire Police and the public expect.

"The panel took into account the officer's previous good service, but imposed a substantial fine."

One other officer received a warning for their conduct in relation to this matter.

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