Watch your speed because we’re watching you.

That is the message from volunteers taking part in a police-organised Speedwatch scheme across dozens of villages today (Tuesday).

Speedwatch volunteers monitor speeds of vehicles passing through their villages and then hand details of those over the limit to police.

Offenders are then sent a warning letter and if they are seen speeding again will receive a fine.

Today, all Speedwatch schemes in Mid Kent were out in force.

PC Warren Jarvis said: “Speedwatch is all about educating drivers. Members of the scheme really care about their community and about their quality of life.

"We want to remind people that speed limits are there for a reason – to save lives.

“Speeding is dangerous. You can lose your license and your can lose your job. But more importantly, someone can lose his or her life or you could lose your own.”

Malcolm Buller, the Mid-Kent speed watch assistant was recently awarded an Area Commander’s award for his volunteering.

He said: “Out on the roadside, I co-ordinate volunteers with the help of my wife who is the liaison councillor. We’ve noticed an enormous difference in the behaviour of traffic that goes past us. As soon as they see the high visibility jackets, there is a checking of the speed of the vehicle by the driver.

"There are occasions where people stop and ask questions, especially when we deploy in an area in the middle of the village where there are lots of pedestrians. We use it as an opportunity to engage with pedestrians, as well as a reminder to drivers that they have to follow the speed limit.

"Even if there are drivers that are law abiding, they can lose their concentration when driving. So the more often we can get out there, the more we can show the public that the parish cares about the environment they are living in.”