Massive 40% Decrease in Observed Speeding Reported

Thousands of Community Speed Watch sessions are now being held each year to reduce speeding on the streets of South Somerset, resulting a 40% decrease in observed speeding over the past year.

35 volunteer-run teams are holding on average 123 sessions each month, capturing details of speeding motorists in villages and towns across the district and sending out warning letters to remind drivers of the speed limit.

The volunteers, who are trained and supported by Avon and Somerset Police, have checked 800,000 vehicles and sent nearly 30,000 letters in the last two years. Only 2,378 re-offenders have had to be referred to the police following first warnings.

The scheme, supported by South Somerset District Council, has been attracting national attention from police forces across the country.

Community Safety Co-ordinator at South Somerset District Council, Steve Brewer, said, “The fact we now have over 250 unpaid volunteers who are passionate about the communities in which they live is a really impressive turnout. They are actively helping to reduce speeds and educate motorists to drive safely.

At the June Coordinators’ Meeting held at South Somerset District Council, Chair of the Co-ordinators’ Group, Stuart Hunter, thanked the volunteers for their continuing dedication. He said, “15,000 letters a year are being sent out through a partnership of the community, police and district council, not only showing what can be achieved in partnership but what ordinary people can do to improve the environment in which they live. The first CSW team in the UK was established in South Somerset: where we go, others follow”.