RECKLESS motorists are putting children's lives at risk by routinely flouting the speed limit near a school, according to a village group. Members of Winscombe and Sandford Speedwatch have slammed drivers after a 'frightening' number of them were recorded

RECKLESS motorists are putting children's lives at risk by routinely flouting the speed limit near a school, according to a village group.Members of Winscombe and Sandford Speedwatch have slammed drivers after a 'frightening' number of them were recorded ignoring speed limits near Sandford Primary School.More than 90 per cent of drivers were caught tearing into the tiny village by volunteers armed with a speed gun. Many were racing at more than 20mph above the limit, said speedwatch co-ordinator Bill Cordell.Speeding near the school happens on a daily basis, he says, with the worst times during the school run period. Mr Cordell says it is just a matter of time before a child or parent falls victim to an irresponsible motorist.Frustrated Speedwatch members have called for more to be done to clamp down on the speeding drivers before somebody is killed.The police have called on residents in Winscombe and Sandford to join the Speedwatch group to help crackdown on speeding drivers.Mr Cordell said: "A frightening number of motorists were putting lives at risks in Sandford with top speeds of 52mph being recorded in a 30mph zone. During one session, 90 per cent of drivers were exceeding the speed limit by over 6mph."It showed a total disregard for the safety of villagers including children and the elderly. This is a terrible tragedy just waiting to happen."We have been waiting for North Somerset Council to give us vehicle activated signs that flash up telling motorists to slow down for almost two years."Organisations like the council and the Avon and Somerset Safety Camera Partnership should work together with us to prevents accidents not wait until they happen to do something about them."Winscombe and Sandford beat manager PC Steve Church said: "This is a big issue in the village. In Sandford, the problem is people not slowing down when coming into the village from the 60mph road."Any driver in excess of 50mph in Sandford's 30mph zone has gone beyond irresponsible and is just being plain reckless."Anybody who wants to join the Speedwatch group should call me on 01934 638123 and I will be pleased to provide training.