SPEEDING drivers in Northamptonshire will be the target of a volunteer programme which is returning to the county following the lifting of Covid restrictions.
From Saturday (March 5), volunteers will be working alongside Northamptonshire Police’s Safer Roads Team to reduce speeding under the county’s reinstated Community Speed Watch programme.
A total of 43 Community Speed Watch groups will be taking part in the initiative, which sees trained residents use speed detection devices to monitor vehicles travelling through towns and villages on roads with limits of 20, 30 and 40mph.
Warning letters are sent to the registered keepers of any vehicles caught speeding, to increase awareness of the dangers and encourage drivers to slow down.
The drivers’ details are held on record to identify any repeat offenders, and anyone caught exceeding the limits more than twice can expect a visit from the police as well as targeted enforcement.
Matthew O’Connell, Safer Roads Operations Manager at Northamptonshire Police, said: “Speeding continues to be one of the main concerns for residents across the county, whether they live in one of the county’s larger urban areas or smaller rural communities.
“During Covid restrictions, we were unable to run Community Speed Watch groups. However, we’ve been overwhelmed by high numbers of residents who have volunteered for this year’s programme.
“To have so many people who are passionate about improving road safety within our local communities is just fantastic, and I have no doubt their dedication and commitment will help make a real difference across the county.
“Wind, rain or shine, our volunteers will not only provide invaluable data but also help to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and educate offending drivers on the importance of sticking to the speed limit.”
All volunteers must undergo a digital training session to enable them to take part in roadside sessions, which are held between March and October.
Visit www.northants.police.uk/CSW to find out more about becoming a Community Speed Watch volunteer in Northamptonshire.
