Speed Watch scheme

Volunteers who monitor speeding in their community

The Speed Watch scheme allows local volunteers to deal with speeding issues in their communities.

Speed Watch helps to:

• educate and deter drivers where there is a particular speeding issue, for example where speeds change from 40mph to 30mph on residential roads
• investigate complaints from local residents and to show whether the problem is real or perceived
• get support from local road organisations, for example Kent Highway Services, to help make changes and deal with speeding issues longer term.

How can I set up a scheme?

First you must get support from your parish council or a recognised residents association. These organisations usually have access to funds to buy the Speed Watch scheme equipment.

You’ll need at least six volunteers to start your scheme.

Who can volunteer?

All volunteers must be aged 18 year or older.

Is it safe?

Kent Police gives full training to volunteers, including how to use the equipment, when and where.
Volunteers must adhere to the following guidelines at all times:

• there must always be at least two volunteers together at any one time
• volunteers must never stand in the road/carriageway
• volunteers should never attempt to stop a motorist 
• volunteers should not obstruct the footpath
• volunteers must wear fluorescent jackets at all times while monitoring speeds
• volunteers must not attempt to conceal their activities from passing motorists
• volunteers must place the 'Community Speed Watch' signs in the area when monitoring speeds
• always carry at least one mobile phone in a team of volunteers
• anyone who approaches a volunteer or wants more information should be given a leaflet about the scheme and contact details for the local roads policing officer for further enquiries.

Are speeding drivers prosecuted under the scheme?

No. Speed Watch aims to educate and deter speeding drivers. Kent Police officers will send out warning letters.

Will the police carry out speed checks?

In areas where speeding is identified as a real and persistent problem, local officers will consider taking further action. This could include:

• carrying out further speed checks and issuing speeding drivers with a £60 fine and three points on their licence or a court summons, depending on the speed.
• visiting repeat offenders to educate them about the offence.

Where can Speed Watch be used?

For the safety of volunteers, Speed Watch monitoring must only take place where a 30mph or 40mph speed limit is in force.

Find out more

For more information on Speed Watch, email the team or call Guy Rollinson on 01622 798631.