Motorists who exceed the speed limit on rural and urban roads are often unaware of the impact their actions have on communities or other road users or of the dangers they are exposing themselves to.

Community Speedwatch, as well as reminding car drivers and motorcyclists to watch their speed and keep to the speed limit, enables local people to take an active role in making their communities safer.

By working with the police and local authorities, residents identify areas of concern and are given full support in setting up and managing a Community Speedwatch scheme in their neighbourhood. At least six volunteers, who contribute a minimum of an hour a week, are required to set up a Speedwatch scheme. All volunteers are provided with specific training on how to use the equipment, safe working procedures for using the speed detection equipment, how to monitor the speed of vehicles safely and advice on dealing with enquiries from other road users.

The volunteers work in pairs at an identified location selected by local communities in consultation with Surrey Police, provided they are within 30 mph and 40 mph limits. They record speeds of motorists in a log and offenders travelling at excess speeds will be identified from the data provided and sent a ‘yellow’ letter of advice which will also ask for their co-operation in the future.

A maximum of two warning letters, along with safety information, will be sent to offenders and if they are caught speeding again, they will be targeted for enforcement by police, where appropriate. The aim, however, is for the presence of the Speedwatch volunteers out on the streets to make drivers think twice about their driving habits and slow down.

Divisional Commander for North Surrey, Chief Superintendent Richard Morris said: ”We fully support the work of Community Speedwatch. It is an extremely positive approach which involves the community and our partners in making the roads of Surrey even safer. It also illustrates how Surrey Police is taking positive action to tackle anti-social driving behaviour and reduce road casualties.

MORE ABOUT YOUR SPECIALIST OFFICERS

PC2303 Dom Loraine pages at Surrey Police, for Dorking South

http://www.surrey.police.uk/borough_nso.asp?nsoid=2303

PC3135 Martyn Savage pages at Surrey Police, for Rural Affairs

http://www.surrey.police.uk/borough_nso.asp?nsoid=3135

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