Targeted action carried out against speeding in response to community concerns
Community Speed Watch (CSW) volunteers teamed up with officers to reduce speeding following concerns raised by communities.
In 2025, exceeding the speed limit and travelling too fast for conditions made up 67 per cent of contributory factors linked to fatal collisions.
Last month, officers took to the roads with CSW volunteers and the Camera Safety Team in East Dorset following over 1,000 public concerns raised by residents over the past three years about speeding and other road traffic offences. During this time, 172 people were killed or seriously injured in a collision in East Dorset.
One motorist was stopped in St Leonards travelling at 71mph in a 50mph speed limit while they had children in the car.
In West Moors, a vehicle drove past the CSW team and inappropriately gestured toward them. An officer followed the vehicle and requested it to stop and after allegedly failing to do so, the driver was arrested.
A total of 73 road traffic offences were dealt with by officers and the Safety Camera Team identified 128 motorists travelling in excess of the speed limit.
This activity marked the start of Community Speed Watch week, where volunteers were deployed across the county in a bid to keep motorists driving within the speed limit.
Community Speed Watch 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 volunteers use a basic speed detection device to monitor a vehicle’s speed – they are not able to take pictures as the device is not a camera. If a vehicle is identified as travelling over the speed limit, the volunteers will make a note of the vehicle details and a warning letter will be issued by police to the registered keeper.
During the week, 34 teams took part and 384 letters were issued to drivers.
Superintendent Rob Chalkley, of Dorset Police, said: “The work that our CSW volunteers carry out is invaluable, they selflessly give up their time to help their communities and make sure the road network is safe.
“Our dedicated volunteers provide additional eyes and ears to spot road safety issues and play their part in achieving the shared goal of reducing casualties on our roads.
“We need everyone to think about the speed they are travelling at; a speed limit is there for a reason because higher speeds can directly cause serious injuries.
“This month as part of a national campaign we have been focusing on the fatal five road traffic offences that cause a fatal or serious injury collision and speeding is one of those.
“While many did not adhere to the speed limit during this week and will be dealt with appropriately, we would like to thank everyone else who continues to drive safely every day to keep themselves and other road users safe.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Having joined officers on this operation, I’ve seen first-hand the professionalism and commitment of our roads policing team in tackling the ‘Fatal Five’ offences, particularly speeding, which continues to put lives at risk on Dorset’s roads.
“I hope this sends a clear message to road users that dangerous driving and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated.
“I also want to recognise the invaluable contribution of our Community Speed Watch volunteers, whose dedication and local knowledge play a vital role in encouraging safer driving habits and protecting communities across Dorset.
“Together we can all play our part to ensure our roads are safe for everyone.”
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