A NEW Community Speedwatch group set up in Bodmin caught 20 people driving faster then the limit in a morning exercise on Westheath Avenue.

Neighbourhood beat manager PC Mike Dodd feels more volunteers should get involved in the initiative in Bodmin, and is urging villagers in surrounding areas to do the same.

Caught

The 20 drivers caught speeding have now received warning letters, and anyone caught by the volunteers speeding three times has their vehicle registration number circulated nationwide as a speeding target for police.

PC Dodd said the Community Speedwatch volunteers caught the drivers last Thursday morning.

The officer said: "20 vehicles out of 158 were doing speeds of 35mph or more. The highest speed recorded was 41mph. Three of the vehicles caught breaking the speed limit in Westheath Avenue turned left into Vivian Road. Many of the other vehicles caught were owned by residents of Bodmin.

"The Speedwatch volunteers are now able to go out and obtain the registration numbers of vehicles speeding without a police presence," he said.

"Individuals who continue to speed in Bodmin will be targeted. If drivers continue to speed in Westheath Avenue then I will be pressing for The Safety Camera Partnership to take enforcement action in that road.

"If any Bodmin residents wish to have action taken near their home addresses then I would suggest that they offer to become a Speedwatch volunteer. I would particularly welcome residents of the villages around Bodmin as volunteers. Speedwatch can take place in any road with a 20, 30 or 40mph limit that has been approved by the road casualty reduction officer," said PC Dodd.

Exercise

Town councillor Nick Walter, who took part in the Westheath Avenue exercise, said: Before my election to the town council, I was involved in a campaign to encourage more people to cycle and walk, particularly for the benefit of our children. However, parents told me it was not safe, and that's why many choose to drive.

"Working with PC Dodd, Speedwatch volunteers can now enforce speed limits and spread the message that speeding is as socially unacceptable as drink-driving."