Community leaders are calling for flashing warning signs to go up on roads to warn speeding drivers.

It comes after more than 300 motorists were caught breaking the limit over seven one-hour police deployments on English Street in Longtown.

Officers said the highest recorded speed was of 60mph - double the limit on that stretch of road.

Police carried out an operation following concerns raised by residents and councillors in the town, who say it has been a problem for some time.

But they are now looking for a solution.

Councillors think speed warning signs are needed as a reminder to drivers coming into the town, particularly on the straight stretch of the A7 at the south end of the town, where the speed camera van was stationed.

Councillor Val Tarbitt, who represents Longtown on Cumbria County Council and also lives in English Street, has been pushing for something to be done for several months.

She said it has been a united effort between the parish council, highways officials and the police.

"I think it's a wake up call to Longtown and not just the residents, it's people coming into the town, and I think the word will get around," said Mrs Tarbitt.

"I'm not pleased that there's so many people speeding but it's as I thought and we've all felt very vindicated.

"I'm pleased measures have been taken and hopefully Longtown will be a calmer place to live."

Mrs Tarbitt is due to meet again with highways officials to discuss ways to slow drivers down before they enter the 30mph limit.

Police issued 322 notices of intended prosecution (NIP) for speeding offences on the main road through the town during the past three months.

A total of 87 vehicles were clocked breaking the speed limit in one single session.

Ray Bloxham, Carlise city councillor for Longtown, said it proves what the parish council and residents have been saying for a long time.


Related: 322 drivers caught speeding in Cumbrian town in seven hours


"It's been a problem for as long as I can remember but it has got worse," he said.

"I have no idea why it's got worse. There's more traffic on the road and people use it to go up to Scotland and Gretna.

"There's more people travelling on the A7."

He added: "I think people should be warned that they're entering a 30mph zone and then they have no excuse if they're pulled up.

"They don't have much excuse at the moment but I think they should be warned.

"I think it's a good thing and the roads will be safer but just having the van there occasionally is not going to be the answer.

"I think the answer has to be some warning that people are entering a 30mph zone apart from the usual signs."

Gordon Routledge, vice chairman of Arthuret Parish council, agrees.

He welcomed the deployments to the town but feels their objective to slow vehicles down is yet to be met.

He said: "The parish council's preferred option was to install illuminated slow down signs at each end of the town and perhaps a speed camera sign.

"Action was called for and it would appear to have been taken so we cannot argue with that.

"But we'd rather try to slow vehicles down before they enter the 30mph restricted area.

"Catching them in the middle of the town isn't slowing them down before they get in."

Sergeant Katie Rickerby, of Cumbria police, said lives were being put at risk due to reckless speeding in a built-up area and that it was "simply not acceptable."

ā€œIā€™m sure nobody would want to hear of a serious or fatal road traffic collision occurring on that stretch of road but that is fast becoming a realistic possibility," she said.