Community Speedwatch
Aims of the Scheme
Community Speed Watch aims:
• To help local people address speeding problems in their own
area
• Increase driver and public awareness of the dangers of
speeding
• Improve community safety
Speed Watch are resources by trained volunteers from the community through a Community Co-ordinator. Assistance is given at the roadside from Police or Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) when duties permit.
Speed Watch teams use hand held radar equipment at pre-identified locations to check vehicle speeds. Registration numbers and makes of vehicles of motorists exceeding the local speed limit are recorded. These details are then collated by the co-ordinator, processed and letters issued.
Drivers found to be speeding are issued with an advisory warning letter requesting that they slow down and observe the speed limit. If the same vehicle is caught on a second or subsequent occasion by the Community Speed Watch team a follow-up final letter is issued and the area may be subjected to police or mobile camera enforcement where offenders will receive a fine and penalty points on their licence.
Once it is identified that the vehicle has been caught speeding through a Speed Watch for the third time within 12 months, the background of the vehicle will be checked, to see what other tickets have been previously issued. All information will be passed to the appropriate divisional Road Safety Sergeant who will organise for the keeper to be visited and warned.
Who is eligible?
To be a Community Speed Watch volunteer you must be over the age of 18.
Information on how to set up a Community Speed Watch Scheme
Where are they?
There are currently 44 active schemes across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and numerous new schemes almost ready to become active. If you'd like to know more about the schemes or would like to volunteer contact Lucy Stone, Community Speed Watch Coordinator, 01785 232702
FAQ's
How do I get involved with a Community Speed Watch
Scheme?
A: Contact Lucy Stone, Community Speed Watch Coordinator, 01785
232702 to see if there is a scheme already existing in your area.
If there isn't, you will need to lobby your local council.
How often will I be expected to go 'on
patrol'?
A: Each scheme is different. The frequency of patrols varies
according to the needs of the community. You may start off with
weekly patrols and as drivers gradually become aware of the
presence of a Community Speed Watch Scheme, you may decide to
reduce the frequency.