The police-backed scheme will see a band of volunteers out on the city streets trapping drivers who break the speed limit.

At a police panel meeting in Netherton, Peterborough, when residents raised fears that children could be injured or killed by speeding drivers in their neighbourhood, Inspector Mark Rogers revealed that the initiative, known as Speedwatch, was soon to be introduced in the city.

Speedwatch is a scheme whereby neighbourhood groups are provided with the kit and trained to use it

The portable, battery operated, speed-gun type contraption is mounted on a tripod.

When pointed in the direction of traffic the £3,000 kit gives readings of the time, date and speed of the vehicle.

Those details along with the registration number of the vehicle are sent to the police.

Inspector Clinton Hale, from Cambridgeshire Constabulary's safety camera unit, said: "We then do a police national computer (PNC) check and send the registered keeper a letter."

It will tell the owner that his/her car was clocked speeding, at, for example, 60 miles an hour in a 30 mph zone, on the specified date and time.

It will also say that police will soon be monitoring the area, and the next time officers would be in the area and they would issue a fine.

The scheme is currently being piloted in Ely, in Cambridgeshire, where it has "worked very well", and will shortly be introduced in Peterborough.

It is run by the Road Safety Partnership, which includes the county's fire service, city and county councils and the Highways Agency.

Neighbourhood watch groups on any street where residents feel they have a problem with speeding drivers can ask for the use of the kit.

Insp Rogers said because of demands on police time, it was impossible for officers to patrol every road where there may be a speeding problem.

But Speedwatch, at the very least, could act as a deterrent, as motorists will know if they persist it will be a police officer who clocks them the next time.

It will also help police to know which roads have the problem.

Insp Rogers said: "People often feel that their road is being used as a racing track.

"Sometimes the perception of speed is worse than what it is in reality.

"However, the constabulary decided we could help the community to help themselves through the Speedwatch initiative."

Cabinet member for environment and community safety councillor Wayne Fitzgerald said the alternative was a flashing sign which costs £10,000.

He welcomed "any scheme that will improve road safety".

Speeding by motorists is an issue repeatedly raised at police neighbourhood panel meetings.

Werrington, Bretton and Parnwell are just some of the areas about which residents complain.

Chairman of the Residents' Association Pam Chelmiah welcomed the initiative and hoped it would address the problems faced by people in Parnwell Way, in particular