Two drivers were caught doing 70mph on a High Wycombe road where a pedestrian was killed just yards from her home - strengthening pleas from a neighbour for vehicles to slow down and stop using it as a “rat run”.

Jodie Cristinziano, who lives on Hughenden Avenue, started a road safety campaign called the Disraeli Action for Road Safety (DARS) in the wake of the death of her neighbour, 62-year-old Margaret Nalepka, on November 28, 2016.

Miss Nalepka was crossing the road with her shopping and walking stick when she was hit by a Honda Jazz at around 4.40pm. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Although speed was not believed to be a factor in Miss Nalepka’s death, it was the tragic incident that prompted Mrs Cristinziano – who lives on the road with her husband and two young children – to campaign for better safety.

Supported by Cllr Khalil Ahmed, Mrs Cristinziano managed to purchase a Moveable Vehicle Activated Sign (MVAS), which flashes up with the speed a driver is doing on the road.

In 47 days, 174,000 cars were recorded on the road – with the average speeder doing 38.2mph.

On February 22 at 3.10pm and March 20 at 11.40am, two vehicles were recorded doing a shocking 70mph.

Mrs Cristinziano, who has largely been running DARS alone in her spare time, described her motivation for taking up the cause.

She said: “When I heard what happened to Margaret, I felt sick to my stomach. I live here with my two children and husband and this is our family home – we cross the road all the time.

“The volume of cars that travel along this road is ridiculous. People tend to use it as a rat run and it’s mostly family houses down here.

“People say that MVAS doesn’t do anything, but when it flashes up with your speed, it does make you take your foot off the pedal and slow down. It does make a difference.

“It is all about making people aware – speed does kill. Everyone is always in a rush, but it’s better to get there late than not at all.”

The MVAS can be moved around and will also be put in place in surrounding roads like Coates Lane to remind drivers not to break the speed limit.

The campaigner hopes to eventually get permanent speed cameras put in place on the road in a bid to slow drivers down.

She said: “Ideally I’d like to get speed cameras installed, but they cost around £20,000 and we need to get more funds.

“It has been hard work but I'm pleased with what has been achieved so far.”