Community Speedwatch
It's Only Half a Mile at 20
What do we do?
We stand at the roadside in Hi Vis with a laser speed indicator and clipboard.
We’re recording the speeds of vehicles exceeding the speed limit tolerance.
These vehicles have their registration, vehicle make and colour recorded.
This information is sent to Avon and Somerset Police.
An information letter is sent to the registered keeper advising them of the speed limit through Buckland Dinham and that they have exceeded it.
Why do we do it?
It reminds drivers of the legal speed limit, they slow down.
This means we can safely get on and off our driveways in our vehicles.
Our Children can safely cross the road.
We can be safe walking along our narrow pavements.
Slower speeds reduce excessive noise and vibration.
It makes our Village a safer, more pleasant place to walk in, cycle, park, drive around and through.
The more data we can provide to the police, the more mobile speed cameras they provide
Roads Policing Unit Provide motorbike sessions about once per month. They are understaffed and have a huge County to monitor. They are recruiting again and have new bikes, vans coming online but this all takes time.
Buckland Dinham receive a high number of visits compared to other areas as we can provide them with data and evidence of the high level on non-compliance via the CSW sessions.
We are working with the SID team to provide 'hotspot' data so the RPU can target their sessions even more effectively for us.
Stats
Sessions have been completed from 7am - 6pm. 7.40am and 4.30pm for about an hour and 15 minutes is our highest volume reaching 1000+/hour (rush hour).
Average number of vehicles - 800/hour.
Number of vehicles above the threshold - Average 8%
Average speed of speeders - 34mph
High 46 mph (in a 20!)
Speeds and vehicles reported above the threshold during rush hour are usually lower at around 4% due to the higher volume of vehicles which reduces overall speeds.
A small number of the vehicles reported, less than 1% do not receive their advisory letter due to cloned plates, in trade, or other reasons the information does not match.
To be remembered - this is only whilst csw volunteers are at the roadside. When they are not there, speeds vary even more, usually higher with some but inconsistent compliance.
We need more people, can you help?
What you’ll need to do
Watch an online video and successfully complete some questions. It takes about 15 minutes.
You’ll receive a Hi Vis jacket saying Community Speedwatch which you must wear at roadside.
We’ll organise roadside training with our area co-ordinator. It takes about 15 minutes.
How much time do I need to commit?
1-2 hours per month please.
But it is flexible to fit in with when you are available.
Some people do the same day, time most weeks.
Some people do varying times every other week.
Some people do 2 weeks and nothing for 2 weeks.
You get the idea. We aim to put a couple of future dates in the diary but these can be cancelled at short notice if you can’t make it, no dramas.
I want to help, what next?
Please email csw@bucklanddinham-pc.gov.uk
Say how much time you think you can give, if you have specific times, days you can or cannot do. This can always change when you want.
Please join us, thank you.