A CRACKDOWN on speeding drivers in Darwen has been launched by police.

Officers have pledged to use handheld speed cameras to target a problem area following complaints from residents.

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At a Darwen Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Sergeant Dave Sherrington and Inspector Abid Khan promised to put handheld speed cameras into action in Greenway Street.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Paul Browne claimed ‘they would make millions’ from the amount of drivers speeding.

Sgt Sherrington said that putting permanent speed cameras in place would be difficult, but promised to ensure that handheld ones would be used this week.

He said: “We cannot get permanent cameras put up, because this all depends on how many cases are reported on that particular road, but what we can do is work with colleagues to see if we can get some speed enforcement sorted out.

“Also, I will make sure that handheld speed cameras are put into use this week. We use these regularly and now I know this is a hot spot I will get this sorted.”

Cllr Browne said that since the traffic lights had been put up in Hollins Grove Street, Greenway Street had become a hot spot for speeding and shortcuts.

He said: “Since those traffic lights went up in Hollins Grove, Greenway Street where I live has become the worst rat run in the borough.

“If we can get a camera put up you would make millions, it’s horrendous.”

A complaint also came from Cllr Dave Smith about drivers ignoring a number of one way and no entry signs in the town and police promised that further law enforcement would take place in these areas.

Cllr Dave Smith said that ignoring signs was highly dangerous and pleaded with police to try and help bring down the number of complaints councillors were receiving.

He said: “There are a number of drivers that cannot see no entry signs, bus lanes, one way signs, and it’s highly dangerous.

“I hope there is a way we can deter this and reduce the number of complaints we receive. I would like to see people prosecuted because it’s extremely unsafe.”

Insp Khan said: “We can get the local team to do some more enforcement in these areas. I would like to get in some long term measures as well and we will look into seeing what we can do to stop people driving in this manner.”