More Speed Checks on the Way

28 September 2010, 15:29 | Updated: 28 September 2010, 15:50

There's going to be more speed checks done by volunteers to try and stop so many drivers speeding.

Police in Ipswich are appealing for volunteers to help run a proposed Community Speed Watch scheme in the town after large number of speeding complaints.

As part of the scheme, volunteers dedicate their own time to reduce speeding in the area. 

They are trained to use speed detection equipment to monitor the speed of passing motorists and record the number plates of speeding vehicles.  The registered keeper of the vehicle is then contacted by Suffolk Constabulary and issued with a written warning and advice.  After two written warnings are issued to the registered keeper, their details are recorded again their details will be passed to a Roads Policing Officer, with a view of targeted intervention or prosecution.

Sergeant Phil Barrett of Ipswich North East SNT said: “Speeding is a major factor in road traffic collisions, especially in built-up urban environments.  It is a big danger to both pedestrians as well as other road users.  As an SNT, we hear speeding complaints time and again at our quarterly public tasking meetings, and Community Speed Watch is the perfect way for us to work with communities to tackle speeding issues
wherever they are.”        

Suffolk Police will be holding some information meetings for members of the community who wish to find out more about volunteering for the scheme. 

Volunteers should get in touch with Police Support Volunteer Co-ordinator, Rachael Thacker on 01473 61 3570 or email your details to policesupportvolunteers@suffolk.pnn.police.uk. 

Volunteers must be 18 or over, and are subject to police vetting checks.