For too long speeding motorists have tested the patience and safety of residents of an Argyll village.
Now Lochawe is looking to lessen the threat by establishing the first community-run speed trap in the Highlands – and only the second such scheme in Scotland.
The people of the popular tourist village, on the A85 Oban to Perth road, are looking to purchase a speed gun in an attempt to slow down inconsiderate drivers.
Information picked up by volunteers would then be passed on to local police officers who will issue warnings to motorists.
And while the volunteers themselves will not be able to issue penalties, it is hoped that the warnings they prompt will act as a strong deterrent.
If successful, the scheme could be rolled out by safety-conscious communities throughout the Highlands, an approving Michael Russell MSP for Argyll and Bute has said.
Lochawe is 21 miles from Oban on the shores of Loch Awe and was once a 40mph zone, though the speed limit has been lowered to 30mph.
Despite that step, locals have remained concerned by the driving behaviour of many who pass through.
Inspector Mark Stephen of Oban Police Station is fully supportive of the local efforts.
He said: “The community wants to fund its own speed gun and carry out speed checks.
“They will do the check, note the registration numbers and pass the information to us and we will send out warning letters.
“It will be the first in our area. It is a good idea because it comes from the local community asking people not to speed in their area, which can be quite effective.
“And we know that when high visibility speed checks are carried, out the traffic usually slows down.
“This is a good initiative and we will support the community to get it in place.”
John Kerr, chairman of Glenorchy and Innishail Community Council, which covers the Loch Awe area, said: “Lochawe has a 30mph limit.
“It used to be 40mph and unfortunately many people still think it is 40.
“It is a problem, particularly with lots of vehicles of different sizes travelling through the village.
“There is a walking route to the school train from Lochawe into Oban for the high school pupils.
“We do have a problem with speeding and villagers want to do something about this.”
Transport Scotland recently installed recording equipment to offer greater information about traffic and driving standards in the village.
Mr Kerr said he was hopeful the community would soon have more details available about “the scale of the problem”.
Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute said: “This sounds like a good idea, with the community taking responsibility for safety in their own area.
“Obviously they can’t charge people but it reminds drivers that speeding isn’t an abstract offence.
“It can cause real damage in communities and it is good that a community is prepared to take this on.
“I look forward to hearing how it goes and, if it works, other communities I’m sure would be interested.”
Currently there is only one fully-established “community speedwatch” initiative in Scotland, in Cowdenbeath, Fife.
A police spokesman said: “Police Scotland is happy to engage with communities who perceive they have a speeding problem to discuss options to deter motorists from speeding and educate them about the dangers of driving at excessive speed.”
