A LONG-awaited speed enforcement van parked on a busy road clocked 100 people flouting the limit in its first hour on the job.

Worcestershire County Councillor Tom Wells revealed the figure from Hanley Swan, near Worcester, to members of Powick Parish Coucil at its annual meeting.

Mr Wells, who represents Hanley Swan, was instrumental in campaigning for the speed measures.

He said: “There was obviously a need for something to be done, which is evident through the number of people who have been caught already.”

The Safer Roads Partnership for West Mercia parked the van on the busy B4209 main road through Hanley Swan from Mon-day, May 17, after years of requests from residents.

A recent survey on the road showed three-quarters of drivers breaking the 30mph limit. Almost a fifth were going faster than 40mph.

Rod Reynolds, partnership manager, Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia, said: “A significant number of offences were detected on the first day of enforcement on the B4209 at Hanley Swan, despite advanced publicity and the presence of speed camera warning signs.

“This highlighted and confirmed the speed problem that local residents had stated existed in the village. It is hoped the presence of a speed camera van will develop a culture of speed limit compliance and encourage drivers to reduce their speed, making the road safer for all.

“Speeding can be anti-social and have an impact on people’s quality of life. We would urge drivers to consider how their driving behaviour, especially speeding, affects other people and to stick to 30mph limits when travelling through villages.”

The decision to tackle speeding in the area comes after a successful pilot scheme by Safer Roads in two other Worcestershire villages, including Great Witley, near Worcester, which reduced the number of drivers caught speeding.

The community concern scheme tested enforcement in areas where communities said there was consistent speeding, but where serious accident rates were not high.

The new scheme has the backing of West Mercia Police and Worcestershire County Council.

Dennis Wade, a Hanley Castle parish councillor who lives on the main road in Hanley Swan, said people power had won the day.

“Dozens of residents have been hammering away about this issue for years,” he said. “The problem is it is a very straight road, and we’re getting people driving along it at up to 70mph – it’s an accident waiting to happen.”

The enforcement van will be in place periodically for the next six months.