Speedwatch
Speedwatch is a scheme being run by Cambridgeshire police to permit local residents monitor the speeds in their villages. Some details can be obtained from a police press release, and more in an article on this site by Mike Monks. [Update 18 Aug 2010] An article about Speedwatch may be found online in the new Cambridge First.
The police have a small number of kits of equipment which can be used by suitably trained volunteers. These individuals, usually in groups of three, note down speeds of vehicles exceeding the speed limits and hand the information on to the police. No prosecutions will result from this, although the police will send out polite notes to those breaking the speed limit--only a police officer (or a police speed camera) can actually cause a driver to be prosecuted. The idea is that of "peer pressure"--the very presence of visible persons noting speeds tends to slow traffic down, and lets drivers know that the particular area is being monitored.
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On 21 February 2009, three of us from Whaddon attended a training course, for which I had offered the village hall. The first part of the morning took place inside the hall, when we were familiarised with the equipment and the rules. The second part of the morning was practice outside. We set up the equipment on Church Street by the noticeboard to cover traffic coming from the Meldreth direction--this is not the best location as there is probably not a lot of speeding in this direction, but the idea was to test out the principle. It was interesting to see how many drivers instinctively slowed down, even if they were nowhere near the 40 limit! A team of three people does seem the ideal number, as it takes quite an effort to record a number plate, make and model, and the speed at the same time. We have three more volunteers ready to take another course. If anyone in the village wants to get involved, then please contact Mike Monks. Nigel Strudwick |
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