DRIVERS who speed down streets in an area of York are seeing the brakes applied - thanks to the work of police and councillors.

Officers have been carrying out speed enforcement measures in Heworth, after residents raised their concerns with ward councillors Ruth Potter, Paul Blanchard and Viv Kind.

Following consultation, the police have been targeting speeders in Fourth Avenue, Layerthorpe, Stockton Lane, Hempland Lane, Bad Bargain Lane and East Parade.

Those caught speeding, or committing other motoring offences such as driving without a seatbelt, or while using a mobile phone, have been issued with fixed penalty notices.

The operation came out of a Joint Action Group meeting, which brings together ward councillors and the local policing team works to tackle issues which residents raise with their councillors.

Coun Kind said this was the first in a whole series of measures where councillors would be working with police to tackle local concerns.

Coun Potter said: "We are really pleased with the Joint Action Group, which is working extremely well.

"It allows us to work really closely with the police to tackle the issues raised with us by local residents. As with many parts of York, speeding is a real concern and, hopefully, this recent action will send out a clear message that it is not acceptable."

Coun Blanchard said: "I am delighted that the Government is concentrating on improving neighbourhood policing and we are really starting to see the benefits, not just in our ward but across the whole city."

Coun Kind said: "This is the start of what will be a whole series of measures which we will be working closely with the police on in Heworth ward.

"Local residents can contact us with any problems and we will continue to meet with our neighbourhood policing team to look at ways to address them and respond to residents' concerns."

Updated: 09:32 Tuesday, May 23, 2006