More than 200 speed and other driving offences were detected in a week of action - one of which saw a driver at nearly double the speed limit.

A driver was caught driving at 55 mph in a 30 mph limit, during Community Speed Watch Week (CSW). 

The road safety initiative, which ran from Monday, October 14 and Sunday, October 20, invited volunteers to contribute to road safety by operating a basic speed detection device which would monitoring drivers exceeding the speed limit.

Instead of a fine being issued, a warning letter is sent by the police to the registered keeper of the vehicle, notifying them that their vehicle was seen to be exceeding the legal speed limit.

The aim of the letter is to make drivers think of their speed and in future to drive within the limits.

The scheme was community driven but actively supported by Dorset Police.

CSW coordinator for Dorset Police, Maria Attwood said: “Last week showed a real collaboration between the volunteers and uniform colleagues working together to keep the roads of Dorset safer for all users and the figures speak for themselves.”

Teams were sent out on 46 occasions, covering more than 100 locations across Dorset. More than 15,700 vehicles were monitored, of which 2.5 per cent were exceeding the speed limit and will receive warning letters. A total of 387 warning letters were subsequently issued. 

The work of officers and the safety camera teams during the week resulted in more than 200 speed and other offences being processed.

The week of action was actively supported by officers from the No Excuse safety team, Roads Policing Team, Road Casualty Reduction Team, neighbourhood policing teams and the Safety Camera Team, along with members of Dorset Road Safe and their partners, including Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick.

Sergeant Gareth Thomas, of the No Excuse Team, added: “These volunteers are passionate about the safety of their villages and towns and do a fantastic job in helping drivers slow down and prevent casualties.

“We have seen some vehicles travelling well in excess of the speed limit and we were pleased that our officers were there this week to help reinforce the road safety message.

“My advice to anyone travelling through Dorset is to stick to the speed limit – you won't get to your destination any later, you will make the roads safer and our communities will be quieter.”