ON WEDNESDAY, October 14, Community Speedwatch Volunteers monitored the speed of vehicles in various locations in the Bude Rural areas of Widemouth Bay, Whitstone, Wainhouse Corner and Kilkhampton.

Police said it was a very successful day, in which 117 drivers were monitored breaking the speed limits, by at least five miles per hour over the limit.

The speedwatch exercise was carried out over one-and-a-half hours in the morning and the same in the afternoon.

Bude Rural Beat Manager PC Gary Luxton said: "The drivers will receive warning letters detailing the speed, location and time that their vehicles were monitored breaking the speed limit instead of the endorsement points and fine that would be the normal result.

"The vehicle details will be kept, and on receiving another warning letter these vehicles and drivers will be looked at more closely by myself and traffic officers. I hope those who receive these letters will take this opportunity to address their driving speeds."

The fastest speed recorded was 45 miles per hour in a 30 miles per hour area at Whitstone, on a stretch of road near to a school.

PC Luxton added: "It should be noted that the speed limits are just that, and that this should be the fastest you travel on that road if conditions allow. I would like to thank all of the police volunteers who took part in the day and would also like to thank the large number of road users that were not breaking the speed limit.

"I would hope that this day has served to make people think more about the consequences of speeding and this is an on going effort that will be repeated regulary with the Community Speed Watch Volunteers."

He continued: "It should be noted though that the police volunteers complement efforts that are already in existence with police officers and other specialised units, so if you are caught by the police then you will receive the points on your licence and the fine, which could ultimately result in you loosing your driving licence."

If anybody has a speeding problem in their parish or would like to become a police volunteer, please contact PC Luxton at Bude Police Station on 01288 357502 or email [email protected]">[email protected].