But Lorna Jackson, of the charity Brake, said: “This just goes to show that the culture of excessive speed and disregard for the lives of others extends to some police officers – many of whom regularly work with the tragic consequences of such behaviour and should know better. 

“This man’s actions have undermined the good work that the vast majority of police do.”

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said yesterday: “The officer appeared before a misconduct hearing because his conduct fell short of what we and the public expect.

“The panel took account of his previous good service and imposed a substantial fine.

“We will be reassessing his standards of driving when his ban expires.”

PC Mayes’ solicitor Tom Nutter told the earlier magistrates hearing in Halifax that the thumbs-up stunt was “complete stupidity and wholly uncharacteristic”. The court heard that PC Mayes, a policeman for eight years, was driving with two different colleagues as passengers when he answered the two 999 calls in the early hours of July 26.

The camera flashed him once driving at 68mph and then again at 73mph. 

Malcolm Christy, prosecuting, said: “He was legitimately driving at these speeds. It is the lack of care – not the speed. 

“On both occasions, his hands were off the wheel.” 

Mr Nutter, defending, said that PC Mayes was full of remorse.

“His actions not only impact on his standing but on the South Yorkshire Constabulary and the police service as a whole,” he said.

The magistrates also heard that PC Mayes was given three points on his driving licence last year for speeding while off-duty.