A PLAN to train members of the public to use speed guns in the Borders looks set to be resurrected.

Proposals for the scheme were first suggested before the pandemic in a bid to catch motorists exceeding the limit.

And at a meeting of Innerleithen and District Community Council last week, Tweeddale East councillor Julie Pirone (Cons) said that the ‘Speedwatch’ proposals could be revived.

Ms Pirone said: “The police would train community representatives in how to use zapper guns to target traffic.

“They could take notes and pass them to the police, for instance when a car is doing 50mph in a 20mph zone.

“Just seeing people out with guns in hi-viz jackets might get some drivers to reduce their speed.”

Last month, Scottish Borders Council launched a consultation to give Borderers a chance to have their say on making 20mph limits permanent across the region.

But it was agreed at last Monday’s meeting that the training would not take place until the local authority has completed its survey.

Innerleithen community councillor Andy Weir asked: “Are speeders people regularly through the town commuting or are they unknown to the area?”

Ms Pirone said that most people the police stop are local to the area.

Community Speedwatch was first rolled out in Fife back in 2016.

Following its launch, chief inspector Adrian Annandale, the then area commander for north east Fife, said the initiative provides police with “valuable eyes and ears in the community”.

Following last Monday’s meeting, chief inspector Vinnie Fisher, the local area commander for the Borders, confirmed the force was looking to introduce a similar scheme in the region.

He said: “COVID put the Speedwatch policy on hold, but it has been recirculated recently. A volunteer from Fife could come to help us. It is something we’re trying to roll out here.”