A MAJOR campaign to cut deaths and improve safety on Devon's roads has been launched by Devon and Cornwall Police.

The launch took place in Crediton where local police officers and PCSO's have been spearheading the initiative.

The Community Speed Watch scheme saw the first registered group in the county begin operations in and around the village of Newton St Cyres.

The Community Speed Watch provides the opportunity for local volunteers to make a difference in their area.

The volunteers are trained to use a speed camera and record their observations.

The scheme is also now in operation in Crediton and Copplestone, with volunteers recording those exceeding speed limits.

Letters are written to those who offended and action is taken by the police to target persistent offenders for prosecution.

Two other aspects of the force-wide speed watch initiative are the School Speed Watch and Neighbourhood Speed Watch.

The School Speed Watch works using 10 and 11-year-olds to monitor speeds outside schools.

Those found to be going too fast are stopped by police and given the option of being interviewed by schoolchildren as an alternative to prosecution or other punishment.

Neighbourhood Speed Watch gives police community support officers the chance to get involved with their local communities.

Sergeant Gary Watts, who is leading the Speed Watch initiative, said a number of drivers had been caught exceeding the limits at the launch, which was held at Crediton Rugby Club in Exhibition Road.

"We caught a few people speeding and provided a visible deterrent and motorists were travelling more slower than they would normally.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation said: "Speed of traffic is a common complaint that is raised by people across the county time and again, and there is genuine concern over the issue.

The project was awarded £30,000 by the local Criminal Justice Board's Community Cashback scheme, which ensures that a proportion of money recovered from criminals is reinvested locally.

Paul Netherton, Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable and Tracy Easton, chair, Local Criminal Justice Board and Chief Crown Prosecutor, also attended the launch to show their support for Community Speed Watch.