COMMUNITY volunteers helping to tackle the issue of speeding in St Ives have suffered verbal abuse from drivers.Police say Speedwatch volunteers have been verbally abused on several occasions and that this will not be tolerated.Terri Griffith, St Ives S

COMMUNITY volunteers helping to tackle the issue of speeding in St Ives have suffered verbal abuse from drivers.

Police say Speedwatch volunteers have been verbally abused on several occasions and that this will not be tolerated.

Terri Griffith, St Ives Sector Inspector said: "These volunteers are performing an important service for their community and their work is being made difficult by a small minority of drivers.

"If these speeding drivers cause harassment or distress they could turn a traffic issue into a criminal one.

"I would remind drivers that these volunteers are working to reduce speed in order to save lives and prevent injury."

Speedwatch volunteers use flashing speed radar and a speed indication display panel to catch motorists exceeding 30mph limits. The speeding motorist is then sent a letter warning them they have exceeded the speed limit. Those who are repeatedly caught by the volunteers could receive a visit from the police.

After a successful pilot in Ely, the speedwatch equipment was made available in Huntingdonshire in January.

The scheme is run by volunteers with support from Cambridgeshire police, the Cambridgeshire Road Safety Partnership and Cambridgeshire County Council.

The devices are being used in St Ives, St Neots, Fenstanton, Bury, Hilton, Upwood and Hemingford Grey.

INFORMATION: E-mail your views to editor@huntspost.co.uk or write to: Speedwatch debate, The Hunts Post, 30 High Street, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 3TB.