Watch out, there are speed guns about
Tuesday, 1st December 2009.
Commuters to Haverhill who speed through surrounding villages could find themselves caught not by a speed camera, but by local residents.
Residents in many local villages told police their main concern was speeding through their communities, particularly at going to work and coming home times.
The communities have clubbed together and, with help from Suffolk County Council, obtained a £1,000 speed gun.
Under a new Speed Watch scheme, residents can use this in consultation with police and pass on details of vehicles breaking the limit.
Drivers then get a letter warning them they have been caught. If it happens again they get a more strongly worded letter and if it happens a third time their vehicle will be targeted by police.
Last week, as part of the police's Road Safety Week, the scheme was in operation in Withersfield, Great Wratting, Cowlinge, Great Bradley and Great and Little Thurlow and ten vehicles were reported.
Residents claimed the area had become a rat run, particularly to avoid traffic lights while the Tesco work was going on in Haverhill.
Police are now looking to expand the scheme onto the A1092, which is often busy with Sudbury to Haverhill commuters.
Residents in Clare and Stoke by Clare will be taking part.
Police and rewsidents hope the scheme will have a deterrent effect to reduce speeds. The highest recorded last week was 48mph, with most being in the 36-40mph bracket.
Residents in many local villages told police their main concern was speeding through their communities, particularly at going to work and coming home times.
The communities have clubbed together and, with help from Suffolk County Council, obtained a £1,000 speed gun.
Under a new Speed Watch scheme, residents can use this in consultation with police and pass on details of vehicles breaking the limit.
Drivers then get a letter warning them they have been caught. If it happens again they get a more strongly worded letter and if it happens a third time their vehicle will be targeted by police.
Last week, as part of the police's Road Safety Week, the scheme was in operation in Withersfield, Great Wratting, Cowlinge, Great Bradley and Great and Little Thurlow and ten vehicles were reported.
Residents claimed the area had become a rat run, particularly to avoid traffic lights while the Tesco work was going on in Haverhill.
Police are now looking to expand the scheme onto the A1092, which is often busy with Sudbury to Haverhill commuters.
Residents in Clare and Stoke by Clare will be taking part.
Police and rewsidents hope the scheme will have a deterrent effect to reduce speeds. The highest recorded last week was 48mph, with most being in the 36-40mph bracket.
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