Volunteers monitoring drivers’ speeds in two neighbouring South Derbyshire villages have caught dozens of drivers exceeding the speed limit and say they are very pleased with the way their Community Speedwatch project is going.

Residents in Repton and Milton had requested that they be given the opportunity to use the equipment at the Safer South Derbyshire Partnership’s Safer Neighbourhoods meetings in the area and following appropriate training for the volunteers it was introduced early in July.

The camera operators make a note of the registration number, model and time of any vehicle they record exceeding the speed limit and these details are passed to the police. As a result they are sent a warning letter from Derbyshire Constabulary telling them what has happened and advising them further action could be taken.

From July 4 to 23, 64 letters had been sent out.

Carl Bilson, one of the volunteers taking part said: “Community Speedwatch has now been running in Repton for three weeks, and the volunteers are pleased with the outcome so far.  It is clear that seeing the blue and white signs and the yellow-vested volunteers reminds people to watch their speed. 

“Whilst, unfortunately, the effect is transitory, with speeds increasing again once the volunteers pack up for the day, it is hoped that the scheme has made all drivers mindful of the village speed limits. 

“Interestingly, very few of those who have been caught speeding are from Repton, and this highlights the problem of the huge amount of traffic travelling through Repton because there is no sensible alternative route.  Overall the scheme shows that proactive reminders of speed limits work.”

Andy Wright, Partnership Sergeant with Safer South Derbyshire, said: “We are pleased that the villagers are finding their work is having an impact on the speed at which vehicles travel through their area. We believe that a regular reminder over a three-month period can educate drivers about the speed limit and we hope this proves to be the case in Repton and Milton.”

Community Speedwatch will continue in Repton until the end of September.