MORE than 80 speeding motorists were given a ticking off by pupils.

Children from Hazelmere Junior School, in Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester, helped police clock 82 drivers breaking the limit.

They had the opportunity to speak to the pupils – or be fined. All chose to speak to the youngsters.

The operation was part of a community action day on St Anne’s estate.

Peter Carrington, Safer Colchester Partnership co-ordinator, said: “One of the biggest problems residents identified was speeding and 82 is one of the worst records we have come across during the action days. We will clamp down on this over the next three months and other junior schools will get involved.”

The partnership is also set to crack down on parking problems.

The operation followed the eighth day of action in the town by Colchester Council, Essex Police and other agencies. Mr Carrington said: “Once again, this community action day was a huge success and has had a real impact on local concerns, such as speeding, litter and fly-tipping.

“This is not a one-day wonder as specialist teams will remain in the area for three months, working with different agencies to address issues causing concern for residents and find resolutions.” Organisers said St Anne’s was a relatively safe area, which did not deserve its poor reputation. District Commander Chief Insp Lee Davis, who grew up in Harwich Road, said: “St Anne’s is no different from other areas and complaints are mainly about antisocial behaviour.

“Historically, there have been one or two problem families in this area.

“But over the past five years crime and antisocial behaviour have dropped.”