Monmouth CSO Alan Wakeling last week highlighted the problem of speeding on Monmouth's roads.

"Speeding in residential areas is just daft. Using the speed gun regularly in speeding hotspots is essential in getting people to slow down and think about their speed," he said.

"It's all about educating drivers; we don't want to make enemies, just save lives."

Road accidents account for more than 60 per cent of childhood deaths (Department of Transport figures 2001-08). There is a continuing improvement in the figures, correlating to driver awareness and increased road safety initiatives throughout the UK.

Keeping below the speed limit in areas such as the Rockfield Road, where there are playing fields, Overmonnow School and housing estates, is very important because a child, or indeed adult, has a much greater chance of survival in a collision if the car is travelling under 30mph.

"Residents are generally very happy to see us out with a speed gun," said CSO Wakeling.

"No-one wants people speeding near their home because everyone knows that it isn't safe."

If you find yourself on a road and don't know what the speed limit is, a general rule of thumb is that if there are street lights, it is a 30mph zone.

The minimum penalty for speeding is a £60 fine and three penalty points added to your licence.

If you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of three years, you could be disqualified from driving and if you have been driving for less than two years, the penalties are harsher.

Certain drivers, dependant on age, if they have had points allocated in the last three years or if they have already attended a course, are eligable for a speed awareness course.

The course lasts for four hours and costs £85. After completion of the course you do not get a fine or points on your licence, which can help to keep your insurance premiums down.

"It's expensive to get points on your licence and the speed awareness course is boring and the nearest one is in Newport so you're best off just sticking to the speed limit," said CSO Wakeling.

"But everyone has a reason to speed now and again and understanding that the extra few seconds you gain by doing 40 in a 30 mph zone are not worth the risk to children's lives is what I'm here for," he says, brandishing his speed gun.

If you would like to know where there are speed cameras in your area look at http://www.gosafe.org">www.gosafe.org