VOLUNTEERS in a West Devon village have been helping to put the brakes on speeding motorists for nearly a year in an astonishingly successful campaign

The Lamerton Community Speed Watch Team, from November 18 last year until November 12 this year, has held 94 sessions and recorded more than 500 vehicles travelling over the 30mph speed limit.

Now the team has called on more volunteers to step forward to help them keep up the good work.

One of the Speed Watch members, Robert Wiggins, said two of their number were moving away from the area and they wanted to replace them.

Mr Wiggins said during the group’s 94 sessions, they recorded 507 vehicles exceeding the speed limit with a maximum of 56mph.

He said 402 letters have been sent out pointing out to drivers that they were breaking the law and of persistent offenders, 34 have been sent a second letter and eight have been sent a third letter. A total of 14 other offences such as having no tax or MOT have also emerged from the group’s activities.

Mr Wiggins said: ‘So far, we think it has been a worthwhile activity, but two of our original team have now moved away and we would love to have new members to join us.’

Villagers started their campaign last year after one resident, Yorkie Malone, discovered that speeding in the village had increased, especially during the Covid-19-enforced lock down when there were less vehicles on the road and asked residents to display homemade 30mph signs on the property. Makeshift ‘30’ signs appeared in the village on the sides of houses, gates and even flying high on top of scaffolding.

Anyone interested in joining the group, can contact Mr Wiggins on [email protected]