VOLUNTEER speed watchdogs have been out in force, helping to crack down on dangerous driving.

Last Thursday, 16 Community Speed Watch teams were out with police officers, monitoring vehicle speeds on Wiltshire roads as part of Operation Harness. Community Speed Watch now has 100 active schemes in Wiltshire and Swindon, targeting persistent speeders.

A further 30 teams are awaiting training. Since the scheme was re-launched in September, more than 4,012 letters have been sent to drivers across the county who were caught speeding.

The scheme is backed by the police and local government and allows volunteers to use a speed-detection device to record the vehicle registration of those exceeding the speed limit. The owners of the vehicles are then sent warning letters by Wiltshire Police.

Inspector Steve Cox said: “I am delighted with the number of active schemes we now have across the county. Our volunteers do a fantastic job and help drive home the message of road safety.”

He said anyone who had concerns about speeding in their area should contact their local area board or via wiltshire.gov.uk/areaboards.