In a remarkable coincidence of events last July, three villagers came together to establish the Liss Speedwatch group.

Within three days of each other Mike Spencer and Ian James had contacted the police with this in mind.

Meanwhile Natalie Wells had been sounding out support within the Liss Forest community.

By March of this year, 21 volunteers had been recruited and trained and equipment purchased.

The team was ready to start recording the speed of cars in the village when the coronavirus lockdown was imposed on Monday, March 23.

As soon as the lockdown all-clear was given eight members turned out for the first roadside session on Tuesday, September 1.

Under the watchful eye of the police supervisor of the Speedwatch scheme, PC Maria Jolliffe, this first session was declared a success.

Using a monitor that flashes up a car’s speed for drivers to see, a rolling programme of speed checking sessions at locations around the village is now underway.

Liss Speedwatch chairman Mike Spencer said: “There is no doubt speed does kill.

“If a pedestrian is hit by a car the higher the speed, the higher the chance of serious injury or death.

“We hope to encourage motorists to drive at a reasonable speed when driving through Liss.”

Car licence plate numbers of cars being driven to fast through the village can be forwarded to the police.

If they are, the driver can then receive a letter from the police outlining the consequences of speeding, and urging them to drive within the speed limit in future.

Repeat offenders can be visited by the police, who work closely with Speedwatch teams across Hampshire.

In cases where education is blatantly ignored and evidence of repeat or excessive offences is collated enforcement and prosecution can result.

Ian James said: “The idea is not to penalise, but to educate.”

Scheme coordinator Nicky Robertson added: “Anyone who wishes to join us and help make Liss safer should email me at [email protected].”