It has a range of up to one mile and needs pin-point accuracy from expert marksmen.

They aim the laser on the subject and the trigger is squeezed gently. The culprit is not aware they are being targeted - but in a split second they are caught red-handed.

This gun does not kill but it helps stop people getting killed.

The traffic gun is currently being targeted at motorists in Leeds Road, Thackley, as part of a crackdown by Eccleshill police following complaints about speeding cars.

The high-visibility approach works and police have vowed to continue clamping down on motorists who flout the law.

Chief Inspector Phil Sedgwick said: "Many people still think we only have time to deal with crime.

"But accident prevention is still a priority. Speed is the biggest factor in causing accidents and we are continuing to do work to reduce accidents.

"If people write to us with any concerns we will look at them just as much as people's concerns about burglaries or nuisance."

Chief Insp Sedgwick said motorists come up with many excuses why they are speeding.

"One man, who had been drinking, said he was driving because his dog was hungry. He was going to the supermarket for a fish for his dog."

Sergeant Brian Pickford and PC Roy Moorhouse have more than 40 years' experience between them in the traffic department. A common excuse they hear for speeding is that the motorist was desperate to go to the toilet.

Sgt Pickford said: "When a motorist drives past you can see them breath a sigh of relief. Motorists know when they are driving too fast and with equipment like we have these days we will catch them."

Chief Insp Sedgwick said: "Traffic police are not just there to catch motorists. They are aware of crime hot spots and sometimes do spot checks on criminals. And by driving around they are providing the area with a police presence."

A police presence on Leeds Road is working. During one afternoon a number of drivers were pulled over who were just slightly over the speed limit. They were given a warning. But many spotted the police and slowed down.

The road is "a recipe for disaster" says Councillor Phil Thornton (Lab, Shipley East). but he welcomed the police taking an active stance on the problem.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.