What is Community Speedwatch?

Community Speedwatch is a community-driven initiative designed to tackle the issue of speeding in residential areas. It involves local volunteers working in collaboration with local police forces to monitor and record the speeds of passing vehicles. By empowering communities to take an active role in promoting road safety, these programs aim to raise awareness, encourage responsible driving behavior, and ultimately reduce speedingon UK roads.  When it comes to our roads and neighborhoods, excessive speed can pose significant risks to the safety and well-being of residents. This is where Community Speedwatch programs step in, harnessing the power of community engagement to address speeding issues and create safer environments for everyone. 


Volunteer Engagement

Community Speedwatch relies on the commitment and enthusiasm of local volunteers. These individuals are often residents who have a vested interest in maintaining the safety of their neighborhoods. Training sessions are provided to volunteers, equipping them with the necessary skills to operate speed measurement devices, record accurate data, and liaise effectively with law enforcement.


Speed Measurement Devices

Volunteers use speed guns or other approved devices to measure the speed of passing vehicles. These devices are calibrated and regularly checked to ensure accuracy. Recorded data typically includes the date, time, and speed of the vehicle. This information is then shared with local law enforcement for further action if necessary.  Community speedwatch programs do not directly result in prosecutions, but if persistant dangerous drivers are identified the police are able to take further action.


Community Visibility

The presence of Community Speedwatch volunteers serves as a visible deterrent to speeding. The program relies on the principle that increased visibility and awareness lead to a reduction in irresponsible driving behavior.  Community Speedwatch events are often publicized in local newspapers, on community notice boards, and through social media to encourage community engagement and support.  This brings the topic of speeding into the local community and allows groups to discuss the many advantages in lowering driving speed.  These include; reduced accidents, lower noise pollution, lower emissions, and a lower fuel cost to the motorist.   If a driver is notified that they have been recorded speeding they are likely to lower their driving speed, so even thought there is no prosecution it is a reminder to the motorist to drive more safely and to be more considerate of other road users and local communities.


The Benefits of Community Speedwatch


Promoting Road Safety

By actively involving the community in monitoring and addressing speeding issues, Community Speedwatch helps create a sense of shared responsibility for road safety. Increased awareness and visibility contribute to a culture of responsible driving within the community.


Community Cohesion

Community Speedwatch fosters a sense of unity and cooperation among residents. Volunteers working together towards a common goal strengthens community bonds and encourages a proactive approach to problem-solving.


Minimising Speeding on Roads

Community Speedwatch programs allow for localized solutions to speeding problems. Volunteers, being familiar with the area, can identify specific locations where speeding is a recurrent issue and work with law enforcement to implement targeted solutions.


Community Speedwatch exemplifies the power of communities coming together to address a common concern. By empowering residents to actively participate in promoting road safety, these programs contribute to the creation of safer and more responsible neighborhoods. As we continue to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, initiatives like Community Speedwatch showcase the positive impact that grassroots efforts can have on the well-being of our communities.


How to Create a Community Speedwatch Group

Community speedwatch groups are regulated by the police, so you must register a new group or join an existing one via this link: communityspeedwatch.org/FRONT-v2-Register.php.  In order to join or set up a group you have to undertake mandatory training.  Basic equipment is provided by the scheme, however you can increase the visibility of your team by using community speedwatch signs.  These signs can be placed close to your members when they are out with their speed guns and instantly start reducing the speed of motorists on your targeted road.   Community speedwatch signs are available as both a rectangular community speedwatch sign, that can be branded for your group, or a triangular community speedwatch sign. Both are foldable and can be rolled up for easy storage and transportation.