Volunteers to clock drivers

Monday 2nd October 2006, 9:01PM BST

Villagers in north Shropshire plan to arm themselves with a speed gun to slow down motorists. Loggerheads councillors, near Market Drayton, want volunteers to clock drivers racing through the village.

Concerned residents estimate that some motorists are driving through at speeds of between 50 and 70mph in 30 and 40mph zones.

The idea gained the backing of Loggerheads Parish Council last week, and volunteers are already putting their names forward.

Staffordshire County Council is funding the £1,000 project which includes one speed gun, high visibility jackets and training for the volunteers.

The speed gun is expected to be operated on the A53 from Market Drayton, the B5026 from Eccleshall to Woore and in surrounding parishes.

A similar scheme was piloted in Maesbury, near Oswestry, last week and it is hoped the initiative can soon be rolled out across Shropshire.

Loggerheads Parish Council chairman Ron Perry said: “We frequently get questions from residents asking what we are going to do about the speeding. It is important to enforce the law of the land and protect the public at large.

“I would like to think that the people who go thundering through the village are not aware that it is 30mph. Some people are going 50 to 70mph. We hope to get it up and running within six months.”

Two or three people will man the gun at random times, noting the registration, make and colour of speeding vehicles. Driver will get a warning letter and if they are caught three times, could receive a visit from a police officer.

Anyone who would like to volunteer can contact the parish council on (01630) 673426.

Popular stories:

e parish council on (01630) 673426.

See Also: