A Community Speedwatch scheme has launched in Abergavenny which covers the A40 Monmouth Road.
Concerns have previously been raised by local residents about the speed of vehicles along this stretch of road.
This scheme follows on from successful schemes in Tintern, Llandogo, Usk and Llanfair Kilgeddin.
So what is a Community Speedwatch? The scheme is a community led initiative which aims to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding while addressing concerns of local residents about cars speeding through their neighbourhoods.
Eleven local residents living in the Abergavenny area have signed up to the Community Speedwatch scheme, which trains people to monitor passing vehicles that are driving above the speed limit.
The scheme operates on roads with speed limits of 40 mph or below. Community Volunteers are key to the scheme, working alongside Gwent Police Officers or Community Support Officers to identify vehicles exceeding the speed limit.
If a vehicle is seen exceeding the speed limit, the registration number will be taken down and verified by the volunteers. The details are then entered onto a database from which a letter is automatically produced informing the registered owner that their vehicle has been noted to have exceeded the speed limit, the dangers of doing so and the consequences if they’re found speeding again. If the same registration number is logged three times, more formal action may be taken.
Co-ordinator for the scheme Emily Godsell said: “This is a fantastic initiative where local residents are involved, helping to tackle issues in their communities. Speeding is regularly raised as a concern by residents and the additional presence of Community Speedwatch volunteers at the roadside will prove to have a positive effect on getting drivers to slow down in other areas.”
Emily added, “The scheme will be rolled out to other areas in Gwent in the future – anyone who would be interested in becoming a Speedwatch volunteer should contact me.”
Thinking of volunteering? Here’s some facts;
- Community Speedwatch Volunteers must be over 18 years old.
- We ask that each site conducts at least 1 hour of speed monitor each week.
- Depending on the type of role you wish to undertake within the scheme, volunteers may need to go through a vetting process which can take about three months.
- Roadside volunteers are provided with high-visibility jackets, roadside signs and receive specialist training to use the equipment and record details of offending vehicles.
To express an interest in becoming a Community Speedwatch volunteer or to find out more about the role, please email Emily.godsell@gwent.pnn.police.uk
