Beat managers across Mansfield have been trained to use the high-tech equipment to record law-breakers and either pull them over and warn them about their speed — or issue them with a speeding ticket.

Sgt Craig Sims says the scheme allows police to react to the needs of residents — who in a recent questionnaire told officers that dealing with speeding should be at the top of their priorities.

• Click the green 'play' icon to watch an interview with Sgt Sims.

"You aren't going to see us hiding behind a tree or trying to catch people," he said.

"This isn't a way for the police to make money like some people think — it's a high-visibilty way of showing residents we are listening to what they are saying.

"For example if someone complains to us about boy racers we can be out there within minutes with the equipment.

"Remember that if you get six points within the first two years of passing, you lose your licence — so it's going to be a big deterrent against that sort of behaviour."

Rush hour

Sgt Sims says speeding is a particular problem along Berry Hill Lane, despite the road suffering parking problems and being close to Berry Hill Primary School.

Last week officers pulled over seven speeding motorists in just half an hour during the rush hour — and surprisingly many of the culprits were women with child passengers.

"As we get closer to 9am the more and more people we catch speeding," Sgt Sims said.

"I don't want to stereotype but the majority of people we pull over appear to be women running late taking their children to school.

"I can't stress enough — make sure you are leaving enough time for yourselves in the morning."

Sgt Sims says the speed guns were only part of the new scheme and police were in talks with Mansfield District Council about other measures, including flashing signs which warn motorists about their speed.

They are also planning to visit schools in the area to give talks on speeding.