FEARS that someone will have to die on the South Devon Highway before measures are installed to deter speeding motorists were made this week.

Councillors at today’s, July 13, county council Highways and Traffic Orders Committee were given an update from the police about how they have been monitoring and enforcing drivers to stick to the speed limit on the road.

PC Phil Saundercock, who was drafted in to speak to members at the last minute, said there has been a long history of trying to deal with speeders.

There are a number of ways the police can try and put an end to the lawbreakers including a marked car presence to deter them or unmarked cars to enforce the laws. But he warned that the lack of resources available to the Devon and Cornwall force meant officers can’t get on the highway as much as they would like.

PC Saundercock also said they can’t have speed cameras or vehicles parked up on the grass verges along the road because they are too soft.

Cllr Alistair Dewhirst, who represents Kingskerswell, said: ‘Speeding is a massive problem in our area. ‘It is 50mph for residents’ amenity but nobody does 50mph - the average speed is 66. ‘Nobody is doing anything to stop the cars from speeding.’

Although Cllr Stuart Barker said: ’All I am hearing is anecdotal issues but no hard evidence – We need to have that evidence.’

District and county member Gordon Hook said there have been a staggering 500 complaints from people about the noise issues.

Liberal Democrat leader at County Hall Cllr Alan Connett asked about installing average speed cameras along the road - like the ones at Kenford - but he was told it would be too expensive.

‘To be crude, we need people to die to get the cameras. We haven’t got the evidence to get the action.’

Conservative member and chairman of the committee Jerry Brook asked officers to collect some evidence and bring it to them at the next meeting.

Police in Teignbridge have launched a new operation called Falcon in a bid to target anti-social, careless and dangerous drivers across the district.