New community speed watch pilot scheme launches in Waverley

The Waverley speed watch group was launched as part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council campaign against speeding and the week-long Project Edward (Every Day Without A Road Death). and attended by local councillors, police and crime commissioner Dr Alan Billings, and representatives from South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership. 

SYP's head of safety cameras and ticket processing, Scott Dernie, said: “Community speed watch is not a new initiative — however, at the moment, operations are carried out with a representative from the police force in attendance.

“This pilot scheme will enable community groups to conduct speed watch on their own and change drivers’ behaviour.

“Over the next couple of months, six pilot groups will carry out speed operations in their local areas.

“The groups will have all received training from the force and equipment to be able to carry out their work.”

During 2022, over 65,000 speeding offences have been detected by the safety camera partnership so far, with the highest speed detected by the speed cameras was 156mph — although the figure does not include drivers caught and dealt with by police officers.

A SYP spokesperson said: “During the trial, anyone found speeding will receive a warning letter in the post.

"Receiving a letter and no enforcement action is not a lucky escape for anyone caught speeding — it is simply a reminder that speeding will not be tolerated, of the need to obey the speed limit, and for drivers to think about the danger they are posing to other road users, including pedestrians, through their actions.

“Should a motorist be seen repeatedly travelling at excess speed through an area, then we will look at taking further appropriate action.”

Roads policing inspector Matthew Collings said: “We are committed to creating safer roads for everyone, but the reality is we cannot be everywhere, as we have a limited amount of resources. We welcome our communities’ help in raising awareness of driver’s behaviour and making change.”