Volunteers catch speeding drivers in County Durham

Volunteers are being signed up for a scheme to tackle speeding drivers.

The Community Speedwatch scheme is being rolled out across County Durham after it was piloted in a number of areas since last year.

Volunteers equipped with speed guns work with police officers and police community support officers to monitor traffic.

Speeding drivers who are caught through the scheme cannot be prosecuted but may receive warning letters.

Successful initiative

A Speedwatch operation can be set up if speeding is identified as an issue by police and the community.

It is being used on stretches of road where there is a 30mph or 40mph speed limit.

Ch Insp Andy Huddleston said: "Local people are telling us this is an initiative which works very well and that they want to play a greater role in how this equipment can be used.

"We are now rolling out training so that volunteers can perform additional checks."

Data collected during the operation will be looked at by Durham Police's traffic management specialists who will decide is further measures are needed.