Kent Police launch Speedwatch

A new initiative by Kent Police has been introduced to give rural communities the opportunity to help make their villages safer by monitoring traffic speeds on their roads. Speed Watch is designed to give parish councils around the county a chance to sign up to a scheme to record the speed of vehicles travelling through their area.

Parish councillors will identify roads on which motorists regularly exceed 30 and 40mph speed limits. Special volunteers (subject to police agreement and health and safety considerations) will measure vehicles using a speed indication device that can be put up at the roadside temporarily. The device displays the speed to the driver but is only triggered if a vehicle is travelling at excessive speed.

Registration numbers will be logged and if the driver is found to be speeding twice within a twelve-month period, the registered owner will receive an advisory letter from the police. If the same vehicle is caught three times there will be a further warning and possibly follow-up action by officers.

The aim of the scheme is to educate drivers as to the consequences of speeding and make them more aware of their own driving habits. The new scheme is being managed by Kent Police in partnership with Kent County Council and Medway Council.