The Drive To Reduce Speeding Motorists Begins
Posted: 10th Nov 2008
Local people in one area of Broadland are getting into gear to tackle speeding motorists with the launch of a new Community Speedwatch Scheme.
Residents from Sprowston, Spixworth and Old Catton are volunteering their time to run the scheme, supported by their local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
At the latest Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel (SNAP) meeting, one of the concerns raised by several members of the public, and agreed as a priority, was to tackle speeding in the area and supporting the evolution of a Community Speedwatch Scheme.
Sgt Rachel Cork said: "We listened to the concerns of the residents at the public meeting and found that speeding was a community concern.
"The Community Speedwatch Scheme is a great way to empower the local community to be part of the solution with us and our partners".
The scheme involves a group of local residents being trained and equipped to take part in speed reduction activities. Letters are sent to the registered keepers of offending vehicles warning them to keep their speed down. Persistent offenders become targets for police enforcement action.
Each team of volunteers will be trained and issued with a ‘Speedar' radar, two Community Speedwatch signs, four reflective jackets and a the necessary paper work.
Community Speedwatch's Sgt Andy Hood said: "We have been working alongside the Camera Safety Partnership, Safer Neighbourhood Teams and the Roads Policing Department to integrate all aspects of speed complaints.
"Every piece of feedback we receive from Parish Councils has been positive, and they feel we are making a real difference to the quality of life in the village.
"This is the thirtieth scheme rolled out across Norfolk, by April 2009 we hope to have 60 schemes, which will be supported by 600 volunteers". 
The public's response to the initiative has also been very positive and supportive. Some speeding motorists have apologised for their ‘thoughtless action' and have stressed they will be more careful in the future.
The launch of the latest Speedwatch Group, on Monday 10 November, is part of the Broadland Community Safety Partnership's Road Safety Campaign as part of National Road Safety Week from 10-16 November 2008.
The week long campaign aims to reduce the number of people seriously injured or killed in road traffic accidents in the Broadland area, following feedback from Safer Neighbourhood Action Panels across Broadland.
Kirsten Cooper, the Broadland Community Safety Partnership Co-ordinator said: "Road safety is an important part of all of our lives, whether we are a driver, a cyclist, or a pedestrian.
"Concerns about road safety and speeding have been identified by Broadland residents as a priority and the campaign shows that we are determined to address safety issues that face our communities".
Other activities taking place during the road safety week include speedchecks in various locations and Broadland's Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be attending school assemblies to present road safety talks.