Community Speed Watch to be rolled out

A police traffic officer assists a volunteer during the recent pilot scheme

Police and Crime Commissioner Keith Hunter and Humberside Police Chief Constable Lee Freeman have agreed to the development of a Community Speed Watch scheme across the force area, the exact arrangements of which will be developed further in the coming weeks. 

The decision follows a successful pilot earlier this year at a village in North Lincolnshire, followed by visits to similar schemes already operating in other police force areas to establish best practices.

Community Speed Watch allows residents, particularly those in rural communities, to become police-trained volunteers monitoring vehicle speeds in their communities, with the aim of changing the behaviour of some road users who drive above the speed limit through small towns and villages.

Keith Hunter said: “There has always been a persistent problem with drivers speeding in all our towns and villages but particularly in rural areas. Communities tell me time and again how this inconsiderate behaviour blights their lives and how they want to help the police to reduce it.

“I have always said I want more power passed to communities who want to make a positive difference where they live and Community Speed Watch looks to give residents what they have been asking for. We have received numerous requests for a Speed Watch scheme across the force area so I am delighted Humberside Police will now be developing our own in the coming weeks.

“Similar projects have been in place up and down the country for some years so we already know what works well and not so well and will develop our own scheme accordingly. It relies on volunteers coming forward who want to make a difference in their town or village and we will work with them to make their community safer and stronger for everyone living there.”

Further details on how communities can become involved in Community Speed Watch will be release in due course.