Community speed watch volunteers monitored over 15,700 vehicles with police issuing 387 warning letters during a week of action aimed at making Dorset’s roads safer.
Community Speed Watch (CSW) is a road safety initiative which aims to empower volunteers to contribute to road safety and raise awareness of the dangers of speeding in their localities.
The scheme is community driven and actively supported by Dorset Police.
The volunteers operate with a basic speed detection device to monitor drivers exceeding the speed limit.
The device does not take photos and the results do not result in a fine.
Instead, a warning letter is sent by the police to the registered keeper of the vehicle, notifying them that their vehicle was seen to be exceeding the legal speed limit.
The aim of the letter is to make drivers think of their speed and in future to drive within the limits.
Between Monday 14th October and Sunday 20th October, 32 CSW teams deployed on 46 occasions, covering over 100 locations across Dorset.
They monitored more than 15,700 vehicles with 2.5 per cent found to be exceeding the speed limit and will receive warning letters.
The highest speed recorded by CSW teams was 55 mph in a 30 mph limit.
As well as warning letters being issued, the work of officers and the safety camera teams during the week resulted in more than 200 speed and other offences being processed.
The week of action was actively supported by officers from the No Excuse team, Roads Policing Team, Road Casualty Reduction Team, neighbourhood policing teams and the Safety Camera Team, along with members of Dorset Road Safe and their partners, including Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick.
Dorset Police’s CSW Coordinator Maria Attwood said: “Last week showed a real collaboration between the volunteers and uniform colleagues working together to keep the roads of Dorset safer for all users and the figures speak for themselves.”
Sergeant Gareth Thomas, of the No Excuse Team, said: “The No Excuse Team works closely with the Community Speed Watch volunteers and during the week they joined the teams during their shifts.
“These volunteers are passionate about the safety of their villages and towns and do a fantastic job in helping drivers slow down and prevent casualties.
“We have seen some vehicles travelling well in excess of the speed limit and we were pleased that our officers were there this week to help reinforce the road safety message.”
Mark Armstrong, Head of Road Safety at Dorset Police, said: “The results from this event are a testament to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, which helps toward creating a tangible difference to the safety of all road users.
“Those members of the public who dedicate their spare time to the force are our eyes and ears, allowing us to get a better understanding of locations where drivers are continuously exceeding the speed limit.
“In Dorset, we currently have almost 1,300 volunteers working with us and we would like to recognise and thank each and every one of them for their commitment to making our roads safer for all road users.
“It is important to highlight that casualties continue to decrease on Dorset roads.”