By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 11:39, Thursday, 16 August 2012

Twenty vehicles were stopped during a police sting on speeding motorists, with one driver travelling at twice the speed limit.

Copeland’s special constables, the forces volunteer officers, from have been targeting speeding drivers across Whitehaven, Hensingham, Egremont, St Bees and Seascale.

At the weekend the team stopped around 20 vehicles, using laser speed guns, for driving at excess speed. One was travelling at 42mph in a 20mph zone.

The specials also gave safety advice, checked vehicle conditions and talked to drivers about reducing their speed, during the operation.

Specials Sergeant Nick Oliver, who is based at Whitehaven police station, planned the operation alongside Inspector Mark Wear, of the Copeland Policing Team.

He said: “The day was a success and allowed officers to inform motorists of safety tips for our area. Our aim is to help reduce the amount of people who are seriously injured and killed on ours roads.”

This is the second operation held in the area by the specials.

Specials Inspector Victoria Gee said: “The first one held back in February was to educate drivers on various aspects of vehicle safety and manner of driving, while the emphasis was the same for this operation. The message we are sending is clear, keep your speed down and maintain your vehicle.

“I would like to thank Specials Sergeant Nick Oliver and the special constables who were involved in the operation. Their support to Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team is appreciated.”

Police are asking anyone who has problems with speeding where they live to contact a member of the neighbourhood policing team either in person or by calling 101.

Anybody interested in becoming a special constable should ring Shirley Murray, specials co-ordinator, on 101 for more information.

First published at 11:26, Thursday, 16 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk