Police are cracking down on speeding in Hertfordshire by deploying camera vans in hotspot areas.

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has funded the two vehicles in response to requests for more action against speeding motorists.

They will be sent to sites identified as an area of concern by local residents, businesses and partner organisations – primarily in 30mph zones and areas notorious for speeding.

The vans will issue advisory letters for non-compliance in an attempt to educate drivers and change behaviour.

Launching the vans, Mr Lloyd said: “Speeding and road safety is one of the topics of concern I hear about most from the people of Hertfordshire.

“The public want a flexible and robust approach taken to speeding on all roads across the county; from remote villages to city streets and from rural roads to motorways.

“These vans are a response to that demand for action."

He added they will provide a high-visibility presence in areas that may not have had camera vans before, and will work alongside other speed management measures.

Three members of staff will crew the vans, which will be based at Hemel Hempstead and Hitchin police stations – but deployed and covering he whole county.

The use of the vans will complement a joint Speed Management Strategy with Hertfordshire County Council and the constabulary.

Phil Bibby, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environment at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We want Hertfordshire’s roads to be safe for all road users. In particular we want people to feel safe walking and cycling, and to make sure that residential areas and town centres feel like safe and pleasant places.

“Our Speed Management Strategy set out how we’re going to make sure we have the right speed limits in the right places, and we know people want to see those limits enforced. That’s why these new camera safety vans are so welcome. By targeting the areas where residents have raised particular concerns, they can help manage traffic speeds and reassure people thinking of walking, cycling or driving in an area that their local roads are safe.”

Recently more than 10,000 Hertfordshire residents responded to a survey calling for more action against speeding and anti-social driving.

More than two-thirds (70 per cent) reported seeing traffic offences, such as speeding or using a mobile phone, on a daily or weekly basis.

The project is being run as a one-year pilot paid for by the PCC’s Road Safety Fund, which collects money from fines and court costs generated from motorists who have committed driving offences.