Swadlincote Police say they will be contacting motorists who were flashing headlights at other drivers in Stanton to warn of a speed check.

Officers were in Woodlands Road after complaints from local residents.

But while they caught few drivers breaking the limit, they were also keeping an eye on anyone letting oncoming vehicles know about the police presence ahead.

An unmarked police vehicle was keeping an eye on that - and say that those drivers will be contacted for obstruction.

A post on the Swadlincote Safer Neighourhood Team's Facebook page reads: "Despite complaints from residents about speeding on Woodlands Road in Stanton, Bully and Karen found that there were a low number of speedsters today during their speed checks.

"Not only that, but there were a strange number of smiley happy drivers giving them a thumbs up and a wave. Hmmm.

"Those guys may be happy but I'm not sure how pleased those in the other direction are going to be in a few days when they find out that they've not only been flashing and warning other drivers of the speed trap, but also our team in an unmarked police vehicle!

"In policing terms we call that... obstruct!

"It seems as though the postman will be a bit busier next week.

"Speed checks have also been completed in Springfield Road, Gresley Wood Road and William Nadin Way."

Police also reported the seizure of a vehicle after the driver tried to run away.

The post continues: "Our parks have been patrolled and we managed to squeeze in another car seizure.

"The driver of the car checked out Gotham's finest fitness levels with a dart down the road before he was apprehended by a fence.

"Vehicle seized for no insurance and driver reported."

UPDATE: Swadlincote SNT have today responded on their Facebook page to comments from members of the public.

It reads: "Thank you for your comments on yesterday's post regarding speeding on Woodlands Road.

"As a team we knew that the idea of prosecuting people for 'warning' other drivers would be a controversial topic and while many of you have decided to try and write defences for these, the facts are that these drivers have used their lights to convey a message to others about our speed checks, therefore obstructing the work that we are trying to do.

"One of our highlighted priorities for all our areas in the most recent survey was speeding, so as a team we have completed numerous speed checks on roads throughout the area so that we can pinpoint our problem roads.

"If drivers are warned of our speed checks, when we are collating the results it does not give a true reflection of the number of drivers speeding and therefore does not allow us to be able to put the required measures in place to ensure safety on our roads.

"While a lot of people complain that we are picking on motorists, this is simply not the case. As a team we work for and with our community to keep them safe and this is why we work on educating before prosecuting.

"Drivers caught thus far during our speed checks have been advised and not prosecuted, however should the percentage of speeding cars on these roads not drop then we will have no choice but to start issuing tickets in the hope that this lowers road speeds which is our ultimate priority.

"We advertise our work on Facebook for two reasons; firstly to show you what to do but also as a way of educating others not to make the same mistakes.

"While we will educate our light flashers and wavers of yesterday, we hope that everyone understands that this is something we could prosecute for in the future should it hinder the work we are trying to do. Please heed the warning.

"Just to add, we do not receive any money from speeding fines.... particularly as we can only have six at the Christmas party this year!"