FAMILIES have backed a volunteer-run scheme targeting speeding drivers and motorists who ignore the law.

Special constables were out across North Staffordshire on Saturday, pulling over speeding motorists and people driving without seat belts or while holding mobile phones.

They were also doing random checks on vehicles to check they had an MOT, tax and insurance.

They were in Liverpool Road East, Kidsgrove; High Street, Wolstanton; Gallowstree Lane, Newcastle; on the A53 Endon to Brown Edge Road, Leek; and Tape Street, Cheadle.

The scheme was part of National Specials Weekend, organised to draw attention to the work done by special constables and encourage people to sign up.

Specials are volunteers who give up a minimum of 16 hours of their time a month to help the regular police force.

There are currently more than 300 working for Staffordshire Police and they have a variety of occupations and come from different backgrounds.

Special Constable Dan Rowley, aged 21, who is based in Newcastle, was conducting the checks in Wolstanton.

He said: "It's gone really well. We have issued fixed penalty notices to people not wearing seatbelts and given out advice in relation to defects of vehicles."

Wolstanton resident Brenda Mountford said she welcomed the presence of officers in High Street, where drivers reached speeds of 40mph, making it impossible to cross the road safely.

The pensioner, of Keeling Street, said: "It's dangerous for us and the children to cross because they come down the road so quickly."

Annette Cheadle, aged 62, of Pitgreen Lane, Wolstanton, said: "I have seen drivers coming down the road with mobile phones in their hands. I'm glad the police are doing something."

Liz Ellis, of Cobden Street, Wolstanton, said it was good the police were checking for mechanical defects.

She said: "If anything goes wrong with the car, it could cause a serious accident or a hold-up if it broke down in the middle of the road."

Police have yet to release details on the number of motorists caught breaking the law during the operation.

Meanwhile in Chesterton, Staffordshire Police are launching a Community Speedwatch Scheme to stop speeding along London Road, Wolstanton Road, Audley Road and Cedar Road.

As part of the project, police will be trained to use cameras to monitor the speed of vehicles. Volunteers are needed to help run the scheme.

David Scott, chairman of Chesterton Residents' Association, urged people to come forward because previous attempts had been unsuccessful due to a lack of volunteers.

The 37-year-old, of Wright Avenue, Chesterton, said: "All these roads are 30mph zones but they attract speeding drivers as they are straight and don't give people the opportunity to slow down.

"I've seen cars coming down London Road in the evening doing as much as 70mph in a 30mph zone. Getting involved could help save people's lives."

Residents interested in becoming a Community Speedwatch volunteer should call PCSO James Baddeley on 0300 123 2345 – follow the instructions and enter his personal collar number, 16706. Alternatively, email james.baddeley@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk

To inquire about becoming a special constable, call Staffordshire Police on 01785 235353 for more information.