SLOW down. That's the plea to motorists from widower Dennis Addy. Just days after losing his wife when she was struck by a car on the A259 in Dymchurch, Mr Addy says he saw a driver risk his life by overtaking on the same stretch, pulling in just before another crash on the notorious road.

Mr Addy, whose 74-year-old wife, Gwen, will be cremated on Tuesday, said: "I didn't think he was going to make it. He did, but this dangerous driving is still happening. Surely now someone must take notice."

Local councillor Tom Gibbs said: "I believe in many cases it is local people who are flouting the laws. Feelings are running high at the moment. The community is asking for speed cameras which are unlikely to come before 2003. But we must do something now. One of the simplest things is take the foot off the accelerator."

The parish council met with the Highways Agency, A259 contractors WS Atkins and the police about the dangers of the A259 last Thursday. The group visited infamous local accident black spots looking for possible camera locations that chould lead to a reduction in crashes. Extra speed signs are also planned and it has also been suggested traffic should be rerouted along the A2070 to Ashford and the M20 leaving the coast road free for local traffic.

In the meantime, Cllr Gibbs has suggested a scheme piloted in Somerset where residents take charge of speed guns and record details about fast drivers. The offenders then get a warning letter from the police. If the speed watch scheme is brought in, he wants volunteers.

Ch Insp David Cartwright, who attended Thursday's meeting said he would look at speed watch project. He added: "This is the right time for people to make a difference and I welcome community involvement. Another option is to recruit a parish special constable and if speed is the biggest problem, he or she can make it their priority."

Mrs Addy's funeral will be held at St Peter and St Paul's church in Dymchurch at 1pm on Tuesday followed by a cremation at Hawkinge. Afterwards friends are invited for a drink at the Neptune Inn in Hythe Road in Dymchurch. Mr Addy said everyone was welcome.

The couple's King Charles spaniel, Tia, also died in the accident