First community watch in Ottery St Mary clocks 100 speeding drivers in two hours

Drivers are being urged to ‘slow down’ after Ottery’s first community speed watch clocked more than 100 cars exceeding 30mph limits in just two hours.

Volunteers have been collecting data on some of the town’s fastest roads to combat speeding.

The highest total was recorded in Sidmouth Road on Monday, when, during one hour, 45 per cent of the 169 vehicles recorded were travelling in excess of 30mph.

In a separate session, some 75 vehicles were spotted flouting the limit in North Street.

The scheme has taken two years to set up and was launched by Brian Nelson and another Ottery resident, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Mr Nelson said he wanted to get involved as he walks his grandchildren to school and wanted to stop cars ‘coming like bats out of hell’ down the roads.

His co-founder added: “Ottery is not built for fast cars. It always astonishes me how fast some drivers go on our narrow streets...often in areas where there are pedestrians in the road, junctions, parked cars or the possibility of oncoming traffic. Our hope is that the scheme will make drivers more aware of their speed.”

The scheme is seeking approval for ‘speed sites’ around town.

The group has been assisted by Ottery police and the West Hill community speed watch

On Monday, West Hill volunteers carried out 30mph checks on the B3180, west of the village.

They reported 13 per cent of vehicles as speeding - with some 17-20mph in excess of the limit.

Motorists who are clocked receive a written warning from the police.

PCSO Maria Clapp said: “We are trying to prevent a serious injury. We’re trying to get the message across to take care and that when we are standing there people do slow down.”

Both schemes are looking for more volunteers to join sessions. Email PCSO Clapp at Maria.CLAPP@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk