CHILDREN are at risk from drivers speeding through a village, it was claimed today.

The warning comes from expert motorist Ben Harris who is shocked at the standard of driving he has witnessed since moving to Charminster six months ago.

He said: "In recent weeks young families with children have moved into the new Haydon Hill development on the edge of the village towards Higher Charminster.

"Although this area was already populated, there are now additional residents living on a stretch of road which is frankly dangerous due to a lack of care and attention from drivers.

"Having lived here for six months I have noticed just how many cars pass by at high speed.

"Drivers do not adhere to the 30mph speed limit and they certainly do not think of pedestrians."

Mr Harris, of North Street, wants to see a slow sign and the speed limit painted on to the road to reinforce the message and to have larger 30mph signs put up to have more impact.

He said a temporary flashing speed check sign aimed at drivers entering Charminster from the north has had little effect.

He said: "They are aware of its presence and know that it carries no penalty if they are in fact breaking the speed limit."

And a Dorset County Council spokesman acknowledged traffic was breaking the limit in North Street.

Mr Harris, a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "I see the apparent dangers more than most drivers. I was taught by Cheshire Police how to foresee accidents and avoid them.

"Isn't it fairly clear to any responsible driver the new dangers along this busy road?

"Let's not wait for a serious or fatal accident on this road before we act."

Mr Harris, managing director of GB Yachts and Powerboating in Weymouth, has written to Charminster Parish Council to highlight the dangers in North Street and said he is hoping for a response.

A spokesman for the county council said: "Informal speed checks have been carried out in Charminster.

"In general, most drivers adhered to the speed limit but some speeds on a section of North Street were higher than would be expected in a 30mph limit.

"In conjunction with the parish council, we are looking at various ideas which might address this problem but nothing has been decided yet."