Motorists are to become moving targets (From Warrington Guardian)

Motorists are to become moving targets

DANGEROUS drivers in Crewe and Nantwich are to come under fire from community volunteers armed with speed guns.

The chosen volunteers will be trained in how to use the guns so they can take part in Cheshire Police's Operation Speedwatch.

It is the latest initiative by the police to prevent speeding and dangerous motorists on the borough's roads.

Cheshire Police has begun talks with parish councils and other bodies to see how many volunteers are interested in taking part in the safety scheme.

Residents aged between 18 and 80 can apply to become a volunteer, but they will be vetted by police.

Crewe road traffic Sgt, Steve Griffiths, said: "We will recruit teams of up to six people from a village or small town and train them to use the speed guns.

"They will also be equipped with high visibility jackets.

"The volunteers, usually working in teams of two, will then set up speed checkpoints at locations chosen by police.

"We'll obviously concentrate on stretches of road where there's thought to be a problem with speeding."

The volunteers will also be trained in 'conflict resolution' techniques to avoid any serious confrontations with irate drivers who object to their presence.

Volunteer teams will pass on details of any vehicles they catch speeding to the police, with drivers then sent warning letters.

"Fines and penalty points won't be imposed directly, but obviously if we find the same vehicle being clocked several times, with the driver obviously ignoring the warnings, then we may target that driver ourselves and that could lead to fines," added Sgt Griffiths.

"We believe this scheme will act as a useful deterrent and reduce speeding.

"It will also involve more people in the issue of safety on the roads and make them more aware of what the problems are."