Ashford councillor calling for volunteers to join speedwatch

The scheme is run by volunteers who record the speed of motorists and try to get them to slow down by sending warning letters.

She said: "I have had a lot of complaints from when I go to police panel meetings about speeding. Some people were complaining about it in Clarendon Road, but also in Parkland Road, because the council cannot put up speed bumps as there is not enough money.

"It is a problem all over the town, especially when people are using the side roads as a cut through. I have also had complaints about Stanwell Road."

Mrs Coleman and Spelthorne cllr for Ashford East Pat Amos have joined the scheme, along with one resident from the town, but they cannot get going until they have six people.

She said: "People don't really let their children play out in the streets, and they are worried that the speeding could become dangerous. A long time ago my son was hit off his bike by a car, and I believe that if a car hits someone, there is less chance of serious injury if they are going slow."

Volunteers must work in pairs for at least an hour a week where they identify 30-40mph locations with the police and log speeds.

If the driver exceeds the limit, they get sent a yellow letter asking for their co-operation, and another if they re-offend.

If they still speed they will be targeted by the police, but the aim of the project is for the volunteers' presence to make drivers think twice about their speeding.

Mrs Coleman said: ""It would be really good to get some more people involved so we can get out there and make a difference. Getting the community involved is good, and hopefully it could be the start of other things."

Full training is given for the use of recording equipment and safe working.

To get involved, call Mrs Coleman on 01784 255706 .