Community catches over 350 speeding drivers

Fed up residents of a local village have taken up the fight against speeding drivers themselves, and have recorded some shocking results.

In less than three months, the new Community Speed Watch scheme in Coedway has clocked more than 350 vehicles breaking the 30mph speed limit.

The scheme is being run by volunteers with support from the Welshpool Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) with some motorists being clocked at almost double the legal speed limit.

Details of vehicles recorded exceeding the 30mph speed limit are referred to NPT officers, who process warning letters for drivers. The aim is to educate about the dangers of driving over the speed limit, rather than prosecuting.

PCSO Gary Gwilt said: “Speeding is a concern for many communities, and Community Speed Watches assist in recording the level of speeding in an area which in turn will assist in identifying the need for more traditional speed enforcement by the Roads Policing Unit or even installation of traffic calming measures, such as the speed activated flashing signs.

“The emphasis is very much on raising awareness of speeding in an area to drivers, with drivers exceeding the speed limit receiving letters advising them they have passed through a CSW area.”

The scheme went live at Coedway on January 12 and up until now there there have been 31 sessions clocking 357 vehicles exceeding the speed limit. Each one has received a warning letter.

The Community Speed Watch scheme is being rolled out across Dyfed-Powys following successful trials in Ceredigion.

All the equipment and training is provided with a minimum of three adult volunteers required.

If you are interested in starting a group in your area, or would like more details, call 101 and leave your contact details as well as the name of the town or village. Your details will be passed on to your local Neighbourhood Policing Team.