Speedwatch, a £3,000 device is the latest kit to be deployed in the fight to improve safety – but with the twist that volunteers from the community , rather than police, are the operators.

However , the launch of the pilot scheme yesterday suffered a blow when one of the signswarning drivers that their speeds were being monitored was stolen from Coniston Road, in Gunthorpe.

Councillor Colin Burton, the first member of the public to take the DIY kit out, only noticed it was missing when he went to pack up and set out to collect the sign which was out of sight round a corner .

He said: "I went to fetch the warning sign at 3pmand it was gone. I have no idea who took it, it could have been anyone as it was out of my sight.

"Why someone would take it is anyone idea. It's a shame but it doesn't take anything away from the scheme.

Police say that they will advise volunteers in future to make sure the signs remain within.

For yesterday's exercise Cllr Burton was joined by city MP Stewart Jackson, who set up the easy-to-use equipment in minutes.

Speedwatch consists of a portable,battery-operated speed sign, which gives readings of the time, date and speed of vehicles going past, and it made its debut on a busy section of Lincoln Road, between Werrington Parkway and Church Street.

Residents had claimed speeding drivers were putting the lives of the elderly and schoolchildren at risk. But in two hours 400 cars went past the checkpoint and just three drivers were clocked doing 33mph, and one at 37mph.

Cllr Burton said: "It worked because it has done its job.Most people saw the warning signs and slowed down.

"The four people we clocked are exactly the people this is aimed at, they have ignored the signs and are still blatantly flouting the speed limit. These are the people we need to slowdown."

Those drivers will now be sent warning letters by the sector inspector advising that they have been caught speeding, because there can be no prosecutions using the finding of the volunteer-operated Speed watch kit.

Residents on Lincoln Road said that they support the scheme.

Grandmother , Diane Leach said: "I think anything you can do to stop speeding on this road is a good thing.

"My grandchildren go to Werrington Primary School and crossing the road is a nightmare for them due to the speed of cars."

Another resident, Richard Wake- field said the device's presence had definitely slowed the traffic down, but still thinks more should be done.

He said: "The only problem is it may have improved things in the short term, but what happens when it goes? It's the long term issue that needs looking at."

Neighbourhood policing sergeant Alan Bradshaw declared himself pleased with the inaugural run, despite the theft of the sign.

He said: "It's the first live deployment of the kit and it obviously worked as drivers speeds were visibly reduced."