MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council has been asked to address road safety concerns after 234 vehicles were recorded ignoring speed limits on two Usk roads.

Volunteers from the community Speedwatch group have spoken of their disappointment about the disregard of speed limits on Porthycarne Street and Abergavenny Road.

Data gathered by Speedwatch was included in the petition, which was put to the council in January.

According to the group, the latter street needs to be prioritised due to it having residential housing on either side, with schoolchildren and elderly people frequently crossing to use the footway.

Both roads have recently been adopted as dedicated speed enforcement sites by Gwent Police, but Speedwatch believe the council need to do more.

The petition reads: "The volunteers are disappointed that there is still a disregard of speed limits in the area and we are of the view that further work is necessary to reduce speeding in the longer term.

"Many parents involved with the group do not allow their young children to cross alone and have to supervise them whenever they go out.

"This shouldn’t be the case and young and old should feel safe to cross their road when carrying out their daily lives."

The group was set up in June 2015 in partnership with the Gwent Police Speedwatch initiative.

It was initially made up of Abergavenny Road residents but has since grown to 13 members from across the town, with members varying in age, backgrounds and professions.

The Speedwatch sessions last for an average of one hour and have taken place every week since 2015.

Since forming, residents have recorded 234 vehicles exceeding the 35mph limit, with 57 travelling over 40mph.

Several vehicles have been recorded travelling in excess of 50mph, with one found travelling at 60mph.

These results come despite the area being designated as a Speedwatch area by repeater signs and volunteers wearing high visibility jackets.

Speedwatch are asking for the council to consider improvements in several areas, including highway design, speed displays, constrictions in the road among other suggestions.

The petition states: "In the long term, the cost to Gwent Police of coordinating Speedwatch groups, paying for equipment, sending letters, is likely to cost far more than some of the highway improvements we suggest. "

The council met yesterday to consider the points the petition has raised as well as possible improvements.