SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Extra police backing for Community Speedwatch

VOLUNTEERS in South Somerset Community Speedwatch teams will be given a boost after Easter with support from police units at dozens of checks.

Police will be providing staff from local beat teams, the Speed Enforcement Unit and Road Policing Units to back-up the committed volunteers in places they regularly work to help reduce the danger from speeding vehicles.

Local Neighbourhood Manager, Inspector Tim Coombe, said: “The Community Speedwatch volunteers are a very important piece of the jigsaw for helping reduce speed in areas where there is clear community concern.

“By supporting their work with staff and officers with enforcement powers, we seek to maintain the element of uncertainty for passing motorists, further strengthening the roadside action of CSWs.

“I would like to see us not have to prosecute anyone throughout the week, but data gathered from the teams suggests this will not be the reality as drivers continue to abuse speed limits, particularly on main roads thorough rural communities.”

It is likely there will be more than 50 CSW checks supported by police units across the area between April 7-12, 2015.

South Somerset Community Speedwatch Group chairman, Stuart Hunter, said: “The Speed Awareness Week across the South Somerset area will demonstrate, by working closely together, the continuing commitment of both police and community volunteers to get the ‘Don’t Speed’ message across to drivers.

“The primary aim of this high profile initiative is not to catch drivers out, but more to make them aware of the impact excessive speed has on the community, both from a safety and quality of life point of view.”

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