RESIDENTS have had enough of motorists speeding through their village and are now reporting them to the police.

The South Leigh Speedwatch team hope that this will lead to permanent traffic calming measures in the village.

With the help of the Thames Valley Police community speedwatch initiative, if a speeder is reported three times, the car owner will receive a warning letter from police.

If a driver is reported six times, they could get a visit from police and even lose their car.

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Thames Valley Police said the initiative empowers residents to monitor motorists in areas which are of concern to them.

Once given an induction by police, volunteers record the registrations of vehicles going above the speed limit with the use of a speed indicator device or a handheld speed gun.

This data is then given to the police.

South Leigh parish councillor Lysette Nicholls is leading the programme alongside a team of 30 resident volunteers.

Mrs Nicholls said: “We are seeing an average of ten speeders in each speedwatch session with an average speed of 40mph in a 30mph area.

“The behaviour of some is irresponsible.

Oxford Mail:

“In the half a mile before the speed trap in Chapel Road, there are ten 30mph or speedwatch signs before they see two or three people in high-vis jackets with the camera.

“Even so, drivers go past at 37mph and more in a 30mph zone.

“Some have already been reported three times and will receive a warning from the police.

“We shall keep collecting the data and working with the police until we have all the data we need for a more permanent solution”.

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On one occasion, the team caught 22 motorists driving over the speed limit in half an hour.

Martin Spurrier, one of the volunteers taking part in the initiative, said: “We’re a very small community and we form a cut through for commuters from the A40, who shoot through our village way above the speed limit.”

Neighbourhood supervisor PC Rob Webb said: “We have found that regular sessions by the community speedwatch teams have had a positive effect on the behaviour of motorists, especially those driving through the villages where they live.

“The scheme gives the opportunity to residents and volunteers to tackle the issues of most concern to them and it is a great example of police and communities working together.”