PC Paul Challenger is well aware of the problems motorists cause when they speed around the town. He has already organised several patrols with a speed gun but so far motorists have been travelling within the correct limits.

A resident of Gloucester Road used the time for public participation, at the start of the meeting of Ross Town Council on January 9th, to express her concerns about speeding in Gloucester Road. She claimed that approximately one third of vehicles travelling towards the town travel at between 35 and 40mph.

PC Paul Challenger, who was at the meeting, said he was aware of speeding issues on the Walford Road, Alton Road and Ledbury Road but not on Gloucester Road. PC Challenger explained that the only deterrents available to the police were speed guns (used for periods of between 30 minutes and 90 minutes) or having a mobile speed camera.

Cllr Cutter suggested that additional warning signs could be used along Gloucester Road, such as 30 mph signs, road markings or electronic flashing speed reminders. The matter will be discussed at the Police Liaison Committee meeting on January 25th.

The resident also asked why the police using speed guns had to wear high visibility jackets, as this indicated the police presence and therefore drivers would slow down and not get caught. PC Challenger said that the law is that speed cameras including hand held guns have to be visible to approaching motorists. He said they only act as a deterrent while they are in use, but they would also remind regular drivers in Gloucester Road that a speed limit is in force, in the same way that speed camera warnings are always visible.

One of the main topics brought up for discussion, during a webcast held on Wednesday, January 11th by the West Mercia Police Authority, was the issue of speeding which is clearly a concern across the whole West Mercia region.