A SPEEDWATCH scheme targeting dangerous drivers has caught more than 450 speeding cars over the last nine months.

Volunteers have been taking to the roadside in high-vis vests with speed radar guns in Frinton, Walton, Kirby and Great Holland.

They have been working in several roads around the area, including speeding hotspots in Walton Road, Clacton Road and Kirby Road.

The last session in Great Holland saw a whopping 78 people caught speeding in just two and a half hours.

Co-ordinator Mick Carter said: “In the most recent session we caught an awful lot of drivers speeding.

“We have all seen really dangerous speeds first hand.

“Someone the other day ignored the signs warning that we were there and kept doing 50mph all the way past us.

“He didn’t slow down and didn’t step on the brake when he saw us, or when the illuminated signs flashed up.

“Some people seem determined to drive recklessly, but it puts other people in danger.

“There are new illuminated speeding signs and we will have to see if they have any effect on other drivers.”

Speedwatch volunteers go out every two to three weeks.

The latest session brings them up to 456 drivers caught speeding over the last nine months.

When a speeding car is recorded, the information is sent to a database and the speeder is notified with a warning.

Repeat offenders can be prosecuted by the police.

Mr Carter added: “The speeds range from 37mph to 55mph when we are out along those roads, and that is just during the day.

“Outside of the hours we are allowed to operate you see scary speeds hitting 70-80mph.

“I’m personally in favour of seeing speed cameras put along the worst roads, not to make people pay up but simply to get people to keep their speed down.”

Anyone interested in helping with the Speedwatch scheme to keep the roads safe should contact Mick Carter on 07702 862572.