Community Speed Watch in action
Residents living in rural East Dorset villages have been signing up to the Community Speed Watch scheme.
Community Speed Watch (CSW) gives local communities the opportunity to get actively involved in road safety.
There are now three CSW groups operating in rural East Dorset in Alderholt, Holt and Gaunts Common. A fourth is currently being set up in Sixpenny Handley.
Speed Watch operates in villages, towns or urban areas across Dorset to discourage drivers and motorcyclists from speeding.
Dorset Police Safer Neighbourhood Team liaison officers assist groups in setting up by providing practical advice and support.
The groups are run by volunteers keen to stop speeding vehicles in their communities. Volunteers use hand-held devices to record and monitor details of motorists seen speeding and can also note drivers using a mobile phone or not wearing seatbelts. The police then send warning letters to these motorists.
Police Community Support Officer Louise Hamilton, of the East Dorset Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Community Speed Watch allows local residents the chance to target drivers who carelessly speed through their villages, putting themselves, their families and friends at risk.
“The information they collect can be passed on to traffic officers, Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Dorset Road Safe to identify problem areas and repeat speeders.
“We are delighted that so many residents in rural East Dorset have signed up to the scheme and are keen to hear from anyone else wishing to take part.”
If you would like to participate in Community Speed Watch, please contact your Safer Neighbourhood Team to find out if a scheme already exists or to initiate the set-up of a new scheme. Visit www.dorset.police.uk for more information and Safer Neighbourhood Team contact details or call 101.
