VOLUNTEERS have caught more than 40 drivers speeding in just one daytime session.

Community Speed Watch, organised by Rayleigh town vouncillors and volunteers, has been running since 2013. It uses a radar device which displays a car’s speed.

Ian Ward, councillor responsible for planning at Rochford District council and a trainer at Community Speed Watch, said: “It’s about making people aware of speeding. The other week we caught 40 people on the London Road, in Rayleigh.

“When we catch someone speeding, we record their registration number and send it to the police.”

The scheme aims to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and antisocial behaviour.

Mr Ward said police send out letters to motorist warning them they have been caught and if continue, they could be liable for prosecution.

The volunteers also record people using their mobile phones or being abusive towards them.

Mr Ward added: “We are restricted to daytimes and we are aware there is a lot of speeding in the evening and have had lots of complaints about this, but unfortunately there is nothing we can do.

“We have to be visible to warn motorists that they are being monitored and watched.”

The community patrols are random and take place all over Rayleigh.

Mr Ward said more volunteers were needed from the community to help the group, even if it is for just one session a month.

The latest Community Speed Watch was conducted by Rayleigh town councillors on June 30, at the Warwick Road junction with Trinity Road, which has been reported as a speeding blackspot