A week-long campaign to target irresponsible and dangerous drivers on roads across Somerset, including in the Burnham-On-Sea area, is underway.
Speed enforcement week is part of a European wide coordinated TISPOL speed enforcement campaign and this month will be supported by local Community SpeedWatch groups.
It began on Monday 6th August and runs until Sunday 12th August. The campaign will see speed enforcement officers teaming up with local Community SpeedWatch groups.
Speed enforcement officers and Community SpeedWatch members will strategically place themselves in known speeding areas across the force area.
While the Police’s own traffic officers focus on enforcement, the Community SpeedWatch focusses on educating drivers about the importance of keeping to speed limits.
The scheme consists of local volunteers, who give up a small amount of time each week to monitor vehicle speeds, using specialist speed detection equipment to assist them.
Vehicles observed speeding above a set threshold will be sent a warning letter, along with advice to help change their driving behaviour. Further action will be taken by the police against persistent and high end speed offenders as well as targeting individual locations.
Superintendent Andy Williams, Head of Road Safety at Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: “Motorists who speed through residential neighbourhoods are very often unaware of the impact on local residents, or the danger they pose to other road users including pedestrians and this is something we are working with communities to address.
“Speeding has a significant factor in many road traffic collisions. Community Speed Watch collates information about potential risk areas and highlights possible offenders. This provides us with an opportunity to offer education and warnings ahead of penalties. We’re very grateful to volunteers and members of the community for playing a part in keeping the roads safe for everyone.”
There are just over 108 active Community Speed Watch groups in 343 sites across the force area, which give local people the opportunity to get actively involved in road safety, with support from the local police Speed Enforcement Unit.
If you feel that Community SpeedWatch could help to improve your neighbourhood, contact the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
A new group can be set up in any village, small town, or urban area, governed by a 20, 30 or 40 miles per hour speed limit. Or you can join an existing scheme
