Police Target Speeding Motorists In Ludlow

Police in Ludlow today issued a final reminder to speeding motorists that a zero-tolerance policy is about to be introduced.

From Monday (November 14), drivers caught breaking speed limits will face enforcement action, including possible prosecution.

Police will be targeting speeding motorists along the full length of Sheet Road, one of the town's main streets, where many drivers have consistently ignored the 30mph limit.

The new get-tough policy was announced by Local Policing Officer, PC Dan Wood a month ago who was keen to give motorists advance warning.  "We have now had a month's grace for us to get the message across.

"During this period, we have made regular stop-checks along Sheet Road, including Sheet village and the stretch of road leading to the railway, where offenders have only been warned about their driving.

"But from Monday, the educational awareness approach will cease and we will be taking enforcement action with on the spot fines, penalty points on licences and prosecution for more serious offenders."

PC Wood said checks carried out by the Local Policing Team during the past few weeks had found average speeds exceeded the 30mph limit and in some cases were well over.

"We have advised a number of drivers about the speed limit and the dangers posed by breaking it."

He urged motorists to heed the roadside speed signs and to remember that a 30mph limit applied to stretches of road with street lights, even if signs were not displayed.

The zero-tolerance approach follows a request from Shropshire Council for enforcement action.

"There has been on-going concern about the dangers caused by people driving too fast.  The measure has become necessary and is a positive move to improve road safety for all road users, as well as for local pedestrians," PC Wood added.

Issued: Thursday, 10 November 2011