THREE speed laser devices costing approximately £10,000 for use by local communities have been bought by Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Peter McCall said he was delighted to fund the purchase of the Speed-Watch radar-guns and believes they will empower local volunteers to help reduce anti-social driving and improve road safety in their areas.

“A significant part of my role involves listening to the views, concerns and issues from people in Cumbria, and ascertaining what their priorities for the police are," said Mr McCall. "One subject that comes up frequently is speeding, along with anti-social driving, parking issues and road-safety in general.

"I believe this is equally an issue on our main roads, as well as for drivers in the many rural communities in Cumbria, which is why I believe the Speed-Watch schemes are so important.

Chief Inspector Andy Wilkinson, from Cumbria Constabulary, said: “The community speed watch schemes provide local communities with the opportunity to make a real difference in tackling the anti-social use of vehicles and speeding vehicle offences within their areas of concern.

"Offending drivers predominantly receive a police issued warning in relation to their driving behaviour, although where repeat offenders are identified or a separate driving offence is committed, the Constabulary will progress to a prosecution.”

“The generous investment from the PCC into this area of business enhances the capability of the current schemes and provides the opportunity to further increase their coverage; this is evidence of the support and commitment to improving the safety of the counties roads and reducing collisions and the anti-social use of vehicles.”