In a first for Nottingham, police have worked with Nottingham City Council to set up the Bulwell and Bulwell Forest Community Speedwatch.

It was set up after residents raised concerns about speeding motorists during a community meeting with councillors.

Seven volunteers have signed up so far and have been trained to operate a police speed gun, with two more due to be trained soon.

In their first session ten days ago five people were caught speeding in Bestwood Road. Inspector Andy Goodall hopes the speedwatches will make drivers more aware of their speed and help to make the roads safer for everyone.

"This scheme was launched as a result of local residents' raising their concerns about speeding motorists and the inherent danger this brings to all members of the public," he said.

"The scheme allows the community to play their part alongside the police in tackling this issue.

"The overall objective is to raise awareness among motorists of the dangers brought by excessive speed, thereby reducing the number of people exceeding the speed limit.

"This will undoubtedly make the roads safer for all users within the community."

The idea for the Community Speedwatch was suggested after residents raised concerns about speeding at a Local Area Group meeting.

The speedwatch can operate on any road in Bulwell and Bulwell Forest which has speed limits of between 20mph and 40mph.

Police worked with the One Vision Partnership, the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, Neighbourhood Management and the Bulwell Forest ward councillors to recruit volunteers, who are mainly from Neighbourhood Watch groups in Bulwell and Bulwell Forest.

They were then given training to use the speed monitoring equipment from police officers. Funding was given by Bulwell and Bulwell

Forest councillors through a ward budget paid for by city council taxpayers.

This was used to purchase speed monitoring equipment, high-visibility jackets for the volunteers and speedwatch signs to be placed on the road.

Drivers caught speeding will receive letters explaining that they were recorded travelling over the speed limit.

Those caught on more than one occasion will have their details passed on to the police, who may decide to take action.