RESIDENTS in Broadstone who have concerns about speeding in the area are being encouraged to sign up to Community Speed Watch.

Volunteers use hand-held devices to record and monitor details of motorists seen speeding and can also make a note of drivers suspected of using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

The police then send warning letters to these motorists and if drivers are persistently caught, they will be targeted by the Force’s No Excuse team.

The information collected also helps Dorset Police identify areas and times for wider targeted road safety operations.

On Saturday, Broadstone Community Speed Watch and Dorset Road Safe are hosting an awareness event in front of the Budgen’s store in Lower Blandford Road between 10am and 2pm.

The event gives members of the community a chance to meet current volunteers, find out more about the scheme and other road safety enforcement and education initiatives in Dorset.

Brian Austin, road safety operations manager, said: “Speeding increases the risk of serious injury and fatal collisions and Community Speed Watch has a huge part to play in reducing road casualties across Dorset.

“I would like to remind motorists that these volunteers do not replace the camera safety vans that may also be deployed to these areas, but they add to the education of motorists and act as a reminder of the need to stay at the speed limit indicated.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should visit dorset.police.uk/CSW.