By James Johnson

Last updated at 15:19, Friday, 27 July 2012

A crackdown on speeding will be carried out in Aspatria next week – but drivers caught breaking the law won’t have to pay a fine.

Instead, they could opt to watch a film showing the dangers of poor driving.

Instead of picking up an immediate fine or penalty points on their licence, speeding drivers will have the choice of paying their fine or watching an educational video.

PCSO Sarah Fletcher, who will be taking part in the campaign, said officers would be stopping drivers who were clocked going too fast and then giving them the option of what to do.

“It makes people know what the consequences of their speed can be because they’re often more serious than you realise,” she said.

“Drivers with full cars could potentially kill three other people with unsafe driving.”

The 15-minute video will focus on the dangers of driving without proper care and attention, and make drivers aware of what their actions might lead to.

Police have identified speeding as a high-priority issue following meetings with residents in Aspatria, and it is hoped that the campaign will help to curb the problem of antisocial driving.

The most complained-about locations are Outgang Road, Queen Street and Lawson Street.

In the past, residents have called for more police presence in the town, as well as redesignated roads and CCTV.

Campaigns have been held in Cockermouth and Keswick in the past with good effect and Ms Fletcher hopes this will continue.

Aspatria mayor Alan Reay said: “It’s a big problem. Some people are fighting for a puffin crossing at Richmond Hill School and they found that the average speed there is 38mph.

“We have been complaining about it for a while.

“It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

First published at 14:05, Friday, 27 July 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk