The number of drivers caught speeding in the South Oxhey area has rocketed in the last three months, it was revealed last night.

Addressing a public meeting at the offices of Watford Rural Parish Council, in Oxhey Drive, Sergeant Luke Mitchell said his officers were now dishing-out an average of 80 tickets each month to errant motorists.

The figures, he explained, had risen from about 15 per month compared with the previous quarter after a string of complaints from residents led to the purchase of a new speed gun.

Speaking to the Watford Rural Area Forum, he said: “We had a lot of complaints about speeding on the estate and have tried to take strong action. We now have our own speed gun and more officers trained to use it.

“We are now issuing about 80 tickets a month and probably double that in verbal warnings.”

Sergeant Mitchell’s team has concentrated mainly on Prestwick Road and Little Oxhey Lane, where reports of reckless driving are common.