Members of the public are to start targeting speeding drivers with hand-held speed guns in one Black Country town.

Police hope the scheme in Rowley Regis, the first of its kind in Sandwell, will encourage people to slow down.

Volunteers can capture the speeds of oncoming vehicles, relaying details back to the local police team through community support officers. Motorists ‘zapped’ by the civilian traffic spies cannot be convicted of speeding offences but will be sent warning letters if they are caught exceeding the limits.

Police officers would then set up patrols at hotspots clocked by the community watchdogs.

It is also hoped the sight of people in high-visibility jackets clutching the hand-held speed detectors will encourage motorists to slow down. Around £30,000 is being spent on 10 detectors for Sandwell.

A similar scheme has already been deployed in Graiseley in Wolverhampton, with police hailing the impact of volunteers arming themselves with speed guns and taking to the streets.

The Rowley scheme is being run by police community support officers Adam Flint and Stephanie King.

PCSO Adam Flint said: “We hope to recruit more volunteers from the local community in the coming months, as they can help us make a real difference.

“This scheme empowers members of the local community and enables them to work closely with local neighbourhood police teams.”

Volunteers will receive two hours of training. They can only use the equipment when accompanied by the PCSOs at pre-selected and agreed roads.

Call Adam Flint or Stephanie King on 0845 113 5000 extension 7919 6235.