A SCHEME to slow speeding motorists could be extended across the North-East.

Members of the public have been manning police speed detection equipment across County Durham.

The speed detection equipment is attached to an LED display that flashes a frowning face at speeding drivers and a smiling face at motorists driving safely.

Offenders are not prosecuted, but can receive a letter from the police warning them to slow down.

Durham Police say the scheme addresses public concerns while educating and encouraging drivers to change their behaviour.

Community Speedwatch only operates in areas subject to a 30mph or 40mph speed limit and the community volunteers operate under the supervision of a police officer or police community support officer.

People concerned about speeding drivers in their area can ask for the equipment to be deployed.

Chief Inspector Andy Huddleston said: “Local people are telling us this is an initiative that works very well, and that they want to play a greater part in how this equipment can be used.

“We are now rolling out training to so that volunteers can perform additional checks.”

The scheme has the backing of the Association of British Drivers, which argues it is more effective than speed cameras.

Spokesman Hugh Bladon said: “There is no point in photographing someone then sending them a fine two weeks later.

“This gives speeding drivers an immediate jolt on their consciences.”

Andrew Howard, road safety manager for the AA, said data collected by residents could encourage the traffic officers to conduct speed checks. It could also be used to persuade councils to implement traffic calming measures at hot spots.

Mr Howard said: “It does mean that local people can collect data themselves to get something done.”

Community Speedwatch is used in other parts of the country and has been hailed a major success since it started in Durham last summer.

Neighbouring forces are now keeping a watching brief.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire police said: “We are not running this scheme presently, although it is something we have looked at in the past and it will be considered again in the future.”

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman described the scheme as a fascinating project and said the force would be interested to see how it developed, but made no comment as to whether it would follow suit.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “We will be watching Durham’s scheme with interest.”

To take part in Community Speedwatch attend a Pact meeting, details of which are available at durham.police.uk