CONCERNED villagers have claimed victory over speeding drivers using roads as a rat run . Residents of Hatfield Broad Oak have been monitoring traffic levels and speeds on the B183 for six months using the latest technology handheld speed camera. The com

CONCERNED villagers have claimed victory over speeding drivers using roads as a 'rat run'.

Residents of Hatfield Broad Oak have been monitoring traffic levels and speeds on the B183 for six months using the latest technology handheld speed camera.

The community speed watch group has been working closely with Essex police by passing information to them on speeding motorists and the amount of traffic flowing through the village.

The speed watch revealed that in the space of one hour an average of 350 vehicles travelled through the village of which 24 were seriously breaking the speed limit, highlighting the problem to Essex police who have now issued a total of 219 warning letters to drivers.

Community Speed Watch co-ordinator David Smith said: "Our initiative has had very positive results, we have had an increased traffic police presence who have been issuing tickets and fines."

Senior traffic management officer Adam Pipe from the Essex police force commented the Community Speed Watch, along with a similar group in Takeley, has been one of the most successful in Essex.

A further watch group is now planned for Hatfield Heath to

fully cover the B183 throughout

all three villages and it is hoped that this will reduce both the volume of traffic and the amount

of speeding.

Mr Smith added: "We have a primary school situated on the main road through the village and very narrow pavements.

"Villagers are determined to deal with this menace, which threatens the safety of everyone.

"The parish council and Essex Highways have erected a flashing speed limit sign in one part of the village and are requesting the installation of a second.

"Even the village primary school children have been involved by conducting their own traffic survey.