COUNCILLORS have been braving wintry weather to monitor traffic speed at Bramhope.

Bramhope and Carlton Parish Councillors Diane Fox and Rob Haswell used a hand-held Speed Indication Device (SID) at a number of speeding 'blackspots' last week.

Roads monitored by the pair - following training by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team - included Old Lane, Moor Road, Church Hill, Breary Lane and Tredgold Avenue.

The speeds of 246 vehicles were captured, with 45 found to be breaking the legal speed limit by more than 5mph.

The highest speed recorded in a 20mph zone was 34mph, on Church Hill, while another vehicle was caught doing 40mph along the 30mph limit Old Lane.

Old Lane was also the road where the highest percentage of drivers, 27 per cent, were caught speeding.

Ward Councillor Billy Flynn (Con, Adel & Wharfedale), who arranged and took part in the police training, said: "I congratulate Diane Fox and Rob Haswell for their community spirit.

"They tell me that many drivers slowed down immediately on seeing their excessive speed on the SID, so the actual speeds recorded were probably rather lower than if they had not been there.

"Diane and Rob are now trained in the use of the SID and can also train others.

"We have volunteers raring to go and start Speedwatch campaigns in Pool-in-Wharfedale and Arthington, so we can use Diane and Rob to help get these campaigns going.

"The data shows a concerning disregard for the recently introduced speed limits in the village at a time when many children are on their way to school.

"When you add in the factor that many drivers travelling in excess of the speed limit spotted the flashing digits of the SID and then slowed, it is clear far more needs to be done to persuade drivers to drive with consideration for others.

"The evidence has been passed on to the police and council officers to support our campaign for more smiley-faced SIDs in the village."