Speedwatch volunteers praised for dedicated summer of keeping the roads safe

Volunteers who gave more than 550 hours of their own time to help keep the roads safe across the county have been praised by Kent Police.

As part of the Kent Community Speedwatch scheme activity days held on four different dates in the summer, a total of 293 volunteers spent time in their communities, monitoring speeds and educating motorists on the importance of driving responsibly.

Over 1,000 vehicles seen speeding

During the days of action, 1,195 vehicles were identified as exceeding the speed limit. Their details were added to the Speedwatch database and 483 were sent warning letters with 5 letters hand delivered.

Just over 72 per cent of offenders were found to be exceeding a 30mph speed limit.

When drivers are seen by the volunteers, it can result in a visit by an officer. All the information is passed to police to assess and can be referred to when organising where to carry out speed enforcement campaigns across the county.

The 120 roadside sessions were carried out in many areas including Birchington, Hawkhurst and Littlebourne. The effort given amounted to more than 553 hours donated by the 87 groups.

The results do not include action taken during the regular sessions carried out by volunteers all year round across Kent.

The best of community volunteering

Speedwatch Manager, Alan Watson, said:

‘These results – as with all the results we see from Speedwatch sessions - demonstrate an exceptional commitment to road safety by the volunteers. Their efforts showcase the very best of community volunteering. ‘The results achieved across the four days of action were outstanding, but it is the ongoing dedication, commitment and public service shown by every volunteer through all weather conditions, that deserves the greatest recognition. ‘Their willingness to support road safety, challenge speeding behaviour and work alongside Kent Police continues to make a real difference in communities across the county.
‘By taking the time to educate drivers about their speed, it encourages a safer driving environment for all road users. 'As we head into the darker winter months which bring their own set of challenges for motorists, we encourage everyone not only to watch their speed, but to drive according to the conditions of the road.’

• Click here for more information about becoming a Speedwatch volunteer.