Over 15,700 vehicles monitored during Community Speed Watch week of action
Dedicated community speed watch volunteers monitored over 15,700 vehicles and issued 387 warning letters during a week of action aimed at making Dorset’s roads safer.
Community Speed Watch (CSW) is a road safety initiative, which empowers volunteers to contribute to road safety and raise awareness of the dangers of speeding in their localities. The scheme is community driven, actively supported by Dorset Police, and allows members of the public to play their part in achieving the shared goal of reducing casualties on our roads.
The volunteers operate with a basic speed detection device to monitor drivers exceeding the speed limit. The device does not take photos and the results do not result in a fine. Instead, a warning letter is sent by the police to the registered keeper of the vehicle, notifying them that their vehicle was seen to be exceeding the legal speed limit. The aim of the letter is to make drivers think of their speed and in future to drive within the limits.
Between Monday 14 October and Sunday 20 October 2024, 32 CSW teams deployed on 46 occasions, covering over 100 locations monitoring in excess of 15,700 vehicles, of which 2.5 per cent were exceeding the speed limit and will receive warning letters. The highest speed recorded by CSW teams was 55 mph in a 30 mph limit.
As well as warning letters being issued, the work of officers and the safety camera teams during the week resulted in more than 200 speed and other offences being processed.
The week of action was actively supported by officers from the No Excuse team, Roads Policing Team, Road Casualty Reduction Team, neighbourhood policing teams and the Safety Camera Team, along with members of Dorset Road Safe and their partners, including Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick.
Dorset Police’s CSW Coordinator Maria Attwood said: “Last week showed a real collaboration between the volunteers and uniform colleagues working together to keep the roads of Dorset safer for all users and the figures speak for themselves.”
Sergeant Gareth Thomas, of the No Excuse Team, said: “The No Excuse Team works closely with the Community Speed Watch volunteers and during the week they joined the teams during their shifts.
“These volunteers are passionate about the safety of their villages and towns and do a fantastic job in helping drivers slow down and prevent casualties.
“We have seen some vehicles travelling well in excess of the speed limit and we were pleased that our officers were there this week to help reinforce the road safety message.
“My advice to anyone travelling through Dorset is to stick to the speed limit – you won't get to your destination any later, you will make the roads safer and our communities will be quieter.”
At a recent Community Speed Watch conference at the beginning of October, Dorset Police celebrated the efforts of volunteers and reflected on how the scheme will progress in the future.
Mark Armstrong, Head of Road Safety at Dorset Police, said: “The results from this event are a testament to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, which helps toward creating a tangible difference to the safety of all road users. A huge thanks also to all those who attended the annual conference, who I hope left with a fresh sense of optimism for the future of CSW in Dorset.
“Those members of the public who dedicate their spare time to the Force are our eyes and ears, allowing us to get a better understanding of locations where drivers are continuously exceeding the speed limit.
“The intelligence that is gathered by the CSW teams is invaluable – if a driver comes to the attention on numerous occasions, they can be considered to become an ‘Operation Dragoon’ target, resulting in a visit from an officer and a greater level of enforcement attention.
“Community Speed Watch schemes provide a visible presence in an area, which ultimately leads to cars slowing down and fewer collisions occurring.
“In Dorset, we currently have almost 1,300 volunteers working with us and we would like to recognise and thank each and every one of them for their commitment to making our roads safer for all road users. It is important to highlight that casualties continue to decrease on Dorset roads.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset David Sidwick said: “Enhancing road safety is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and I am working with Dorset Police to ensure they use all tools at their disposal to keep dangerous drivers and unfit cars off our roads.
“From the dedication of CSW volunteers to our Interceptor Team and serious collision officers, road policing in Dorset is a model admired by other forces across the country, thanks to the positive results we are seeing year after year. Each and every volunteer is a valuable asset who all help reduce road casualties.
“The success Dorset has in keeping the county’s roads safe is in large part down to their work, and I am pleased to say that new investment has been put into our CSW scheme with a focus on rural areas. I will continue to support the many dedicated officers, staff and volunteers working hard to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on Dorset’s roads.”
If you would like to join an existing Community Speed Watch team or form a new one, please get in touch with us via www.dorsetroadsafe.org.uk.
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