ABERBEEG is the latest Gwent community to sign up to the community speedwatch initiative in the residents’ battle to crackdown on speeding drivers.

Since 2014, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Gwent Police have awarded £45,000 to establish around 18 sites throughout the region with the Blaenau Gwent village being the latest community to join.

Using the donation, the PRCP – Pantddu Road, Cwmnant and Pentrepiod – action group have purchased a speed gun and associated equipment while training volunteers to use it.

Tina Hart, the PRCP action group secretary, said: “Following on from concerns raised by residents who live on Pantddu Road, an action group was set up to tackle the problem.

“We have seen an increase in the volume of traffic using the road in the last 10 years but the speed of traffic on the road is of a particular concern.

The community speedwatch initiative aims to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding whilst addressing the concerns of local residents about vehicles speeding through their neighbourhoods.

The Aberbeeg initiative follows on from other successful watches established in Gwent and volunteers are supporting the work of Gwent Police by warning drivers about their speeding.

While no prosecutions or penalties are received as a direct result of speedwatch, which operates on roads 40mph or below, formal action may be taken if the same registration number is logged three times.

She added: “Our aim is to increase the safety of all road users - not just the residents but the motorists too.

“Through this scheme we hope to drive home the message that speed kills. We want people to slow down and help us to make this road a safer environment for all.”

For more information on becoming a community speedwatch volunteer or to find out more about the role, contact Emily Godsell at Gwent Police on emily.godsell@gwent.pnn.police.uk.