POLICE are responding to public demands for a crackdown on speeding motorists in the Cotswolds.

Speeding hotspots have been identified in Chipping Campden, Moreton, Stow and Bourton by police community panels, set up by the North Cotswolds Safer Community Team to tackle crime issues of particular concern to local people.

As a result, additional officers have been trained to use speed detection devices in the north Cotswolds and are targeting the areas causing most concern.

Sgt Martin Jones, of the North Cotswold Safer Community Team, said: "I know some people feel we should have better things to do than target motorists but the main aim is to educate people and we will only prosecute those who are well in excess of the speed limit.

"While carrying out these checks officers will be looking out for suspect and uninsured vehicles," he added.

In response to a question at Bourton Parish Council's meeting last week, PC Gary Brewer said that speed checks were mainly being carried out during rush hour near to schools.

"We will see what results we get from that and we will move the times around a little," he added.

PC Brewer admitted that the police were surprised "to a certain extent" that tackling speeding was such a high priority for local people.