VOLUNTEER-led Speedwatch schemes in Hampshire lack teeth and may need to be changed, a meeting heard.

Excitement for schemes allowing residents to catch speeding drivers is declining in rural areas as offenders avoid prosecution, Hampshire Police and Crime Panel heard on Friday.

The project could be updated or replaced in future, according to Hampshire's deputy police and crime commissioner, Rob Jarman. He admitted it was not a priority.

Drivers caught speeding by volunteers three times could face awareness courses or letters to their insurers under early ideas Mr Jarman aired at the meeting.

Amid criticism of the Crown Prosecution Service for failing to launch enough speeding cases, county councillor Peter Latham said: "There's disappointment amongst the community if they haven't been able to prosecute. The only people who can prosecute are the police.

"We can go to Simon [Hayes, Hampshire police and crime commissioner] and say 'what are you doing about this,' but ultimately it comes down to lack of enforcement."

Speeding drivers currently receive warning letters if caught under Speedwatch. The scheme carries no legal powers.

Calls for change come amid rising fears over speeding in villages. In a recent survey more than 60 per cent of Droxford residents said the village was unsafe for pedestrians.

Mr Jarman added: "The commissioner is interested in the scheme and the lack of apparent teeth to it.

"It hasn't been on the priority list for me ... I think I need to go back to the drawing board."

Cllr Ken Carter, of East Hampshire District Council, called for police to work closely with locals and support voluntary groups. But Mr Jarman said leading voluntary schemes was not an officer's job.