A parish council speed monitor has caught drivers speeding through a 30mph village street at 70mph.

The device which flashes the speed of approaching vehicles was installed in Ewyas Harold last year to urge drivers to slow down, but has clocked cars going at more than double the speed limit.

A Ewyas Harold Council spokesperson posted: “Of course, there is just no justification for driving at that speed in an area frequented by residents, children, dogs and horses.”

Councillors had hoped that the speed monitor would make Pontrilas Road off the A465 between Abergavenny and Hereford ”a safer place for all residents.”

Shortly after being installed, the council posted that “by all accounts” the speed device was “making a positive difference already”.

But following the revelation that some drivers have reached speeds of 70mph, the council has warned: “The police will be about more to support speed reduction in all areas of the village.

“They will also be targeting mobile phone use whilst driving.”