AS a campaigner who has been fighting to stop speeding motorists, town, district and county councillor Adam Carew is set to give Whitehill and Bordon its own Speedwatch scheme, which will be funded out of his councillor’s devolved budget.

The scheme follows extensive discussion with residents and the police.

Mr Carew (Cons, Whitehill Walldown) said: “We now have enough volunteers to set up Speedwatch schemes on infamous rat runs in Liphook Road, Walldown Road, part of Hollywater Road, Hogmoor Road and hopefully Drift Road.”

He thanked those people who had put their names forward for police training, adding: “We will get this set up as soon as the application has been made to my budget and the money signed off.

“Speed in our lanes is a big issue for residents who live along the roads affected. Although I have managed to reduce speeds on our country lanes, there is little enforcement. Speedwatch will help solve this, and I am sure other roads with speeding problems can be added in time.

“The only problem we have is that Speedwatch cannot be used in anything over 30mph zones.

“Sadly, when I brought down the speed limits in these roads a few years ago, they did not come down to 30mph as I requested.

“As county councillor, I have repeated my demand for 30mph speed limits throughout Hogmoor and Hollywater roads and have a meeting shortly to try and move things forward.

“I am also writing to St Matthew’s School, in Blackmoor, to see if they would support the idea for a 20’s Plenty zone outside their school to go with the flashing lights and crossings I had put in a few years ago.

“We already have a speed-indicators device (SID) in Hogmoor Road while Station Road/Oakhanger Lane is closed. This is a temporary measure and will be removed when the works are complete. I am investigating whether these SIDs could be used in the 40mph in Hollywater Road that does not qualify for Speedwatch.”

He added: “Speedwatch is only designed for roads where speeding and rat running are a major problem.

“People should travel at 30mph in town and take extra care near crossings and outside schools and hospitals.

“I would like to say a special thank you to the Hollywater Society, and members of the Hogmoor Road Neighbourhood Watch, for all their support and in particular to our newly elected Hogmoor councillor Phillip Davies (Con) - an ex policeman who has done so much to gather names and encourage volunteers to come forward in his ward.”

Speedwatch involves three volunteers operating from a safe place, such as a pavement or a police-approved driveway, and pointing a speed gun at motorists passing by. Any cars exceeding the speed limit have their registration numbers written down and these are sent to the police who take matters from there. Those drivers exceeding the speed limit are sent a warning letter by Hampshire Constabulary telling them they were travelling at excessive speeds and if they are caught again action is likely. If they are caught again the police review the case and decide whether to prosecute.

If it is a first offence the driver is usually given the option to take points and a fine or go on a speed-awareness course, which they pay for. Not surprisingly most drivers choose this option.

If they are caught again the police will take the case to the magistrates court, where points could be added to the offender’s driving licence and a fine imposed, pending on the extent of the offence. Defendants are asked to plead either guilty, not guilty or guilty with mitigating circumstances. The defendant can chose whether to appear in court or just submit written evidence. The magistrate will make a decision based on that evidence.