A CAR enthusiast from West Meon is set to appear in court today to argue he shouldn't be forced to reveal who was driving his vintage sports car when it was caught speeding.

Idris Francis, 62, is due to appear before Guildford Magistrates' Court in Surrey after his 1938 Alvis Speed 25 was clocked doing 47mph in a 30mph zone last June.

The retired businessman is to argue that under the Human Rights Act he shouldn't be forced to reveal who was driving the car as that would contravene his right to silence and to a fair trial under the European Convention of Human Rights.

Mr Francis, of Church Lane, West Meon, said: "The right to silence is a fundamental part of British law and has been for centuries.

"In my view it is therefore a breach of my human rights to demand I incriminate myself."

The former company director is charged under Section 172 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act for refusing to reveal who was driving the £60,000 car.

The law compels motorists to name the driver of their vehicle when an alleged offence is committed.