Village speed teams mark success

More than 14,000 motorists have been caught speeding by a community safety initiative in Leicestershire.

At the start of the year, residents in nine villages volunteered for Community Speed Watch and were trained to use hand-held radar speed guns.

Now 32 communities throughout the county are taking part.

If caught, drivers are not fined but sent a warning letter. However if they are caught repeatedly the police can take action.

Speed signs

The schemes are concentrated in areas which do not qualify for speed cameras.

Nicholas Rushton, Leicestershire County Council's Deputy Leader with responsibilities for Highways, said: "Every community near a main road holds concerns over speeding.

"The Community Speed Watch scheme allows local people to make a difference, by recording selfish, irresponsible drivers.

"A group of speed watchers standing by the side of the road in their high-visibility coats also serves as a deterrent to drivers who are going too fast, residents have noticed drivers slowing down as they drive through their villages."

The Speed Watch team at Sharnford recorded the most speeding motorists and residents from Dadlington, Sutton Cheney and Witherley were close behind, recording thousands of motorists over the limit.

As an alternative to the guns, Vehicle Activated Signs can be positioned at the roadside to warn motorists if they are speeding.