NINE villagers in Shropham are manning the speedgun to stop drivers travelling too quickly through their streets.Volunteers are giving up their spare time to patrol the roads in a bid to end a problem which has been worrying locals for some time.

NINE villagers in Shropham are manning the speedgun to stop drivers travelling too quickly through their streets.

Volunteers are giving up their spare time to patrol the roads in a bid to end a problem which has been worrying locals for some time.

They have been given the speed radar gun by their local police Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and any drivers clocked over the limit will be reported to police and issued with a letter warning them of the consequences.

Shropham Community Speedwatch co-ordinator Richard Farrow said: “We would like to slow down the traffic to make the village safer which will benefit the whole community, especially young people and elder residents who can be more vulnerable to being injured by speeding cars.”

Before the camera was issued Speed Activated Message (SAM) signs were put up in the village to detect if there were speeding issues. SAM is a mobile vehicle activated sign system which is an innovative way to remind drivers and riders in Norfolk about the dangers of excessive and inappropriate speed.

If the speed of a vehicle is below the speed limit the device shows a “smiley face” symbol and the actual speed of the vehicle. If a vehicle is detected as travelling above the speed limit, then the actual speed will be displayed on the sign as the vehicle passes.

The analysis of SAM showed that some vehicles reached speeds over 50mph through the village's limit of 30mph.

Attleborough SNT Sgt Jon Papworth said: “The issue of speeding vehicles is frequently raised with the SNTs as being of concern to local residents. The Attleborough SNT is wholeheartedly behind this Community Speedwatch scheme which has proved effective elsewhere in slowing motorists down and thus improving the quality of life for local residents.”