Villagers have speeding drivers in their sights (From Gazette Series)

Villagers have speeding drivers in their sights

WICKWAR'S Speedwatch programme has been hailed a great success in its starting year of 2003, as hundreds of speeding motorists have been caught.

Since June volunteers have spotted around 400 drivers exceeding the 30 and 40mphlimits through the village using the speed guns they have been especially trained to use.

Under the initiative, supported by South Gloucestershire Council, residents can offer their services to stand near busy roads and keep an eye out for speeders.

Although drivers cannot be prosecuted if they are caught by members of the public, warning letters are sent by police.

If offenders are found repeatedly speeding, they are in danger of being watched by police and matters will then be pursued.

Co-ordinator Roger Stimpson said: "It is disappointing to see that about one third of the total are from our immediate area and half of the total are from a little further afield, including Yate and its environs.

"The Speedwatch initiative started as a result of villagers expressing about the speed of traffic passing through.

"From the statistics, it would seem that the main perpetrators are from the local area."

Mr Stimpson also explained the organisation hoped speeding drivers would take heed of the police notices sent to them and slow down through the village.