Last week I attended a Community SpeedWatch meeting in Basingstoke. It was quite eye opening on several levels, given that it can be a contentious subject.
The following are my personal views from that meeting.
Firstly it was very well-attended with a mix of representatives from existing groups, and several just trying to find out more.
The meeting was led by Chief Superintendent Dave Powell who has overall responsibility for the schemes in Hampshire.
Driver education
SpeedWatch schemes are designed for educating drivers rather than enforcement. Presently the volunteers record drivers who exceed limits then log these with the Police. Drivers may then receive advisory letters and visits, but SpeedWatch in itself does not lead to prosecutions.
However it was also made clear that the Police are intending to make better use of the information from SpeedWatch, perhaps as intelligence for locations for enforcement by the Police Roads Policing Unit that could lead to legal proceedings for speeding.
Starting a Scheme
Setting up a scheme is fairly easy. There needs to be six volunteers including a local Coordinator, ownership or access to a SID (Speed Indicator Device) and ancillary equipment, plus support from the Parish/Town Council.
Total outlay is in the region of £2500 for the equipment with match funding of £1000 presently available for around 70 new schemes from the Police. Ongoing costs are small – just maintenance and new pencils. To break a misconception, no hair dryers are required.
Volunteers need to complete an application form, be approved by the Police and undergo training – and a scheme can be set up within a couple of months.
The local SpeedWatch groups select the locations which are then checked to ensure they are suitable on safety grounds - for insurance purposes. SpeedWatch can take place in 40, 30, and 20mph areas.
I wonder where would be best in Whitchurch?
Winchester Street? Newbury Hill? Evingar Road? London Road?
Some concerns
Despite reassurances, I came away with some niggling concerns, particularly after one attendee wanted a more 'Police-like' uniform – the word vigilante came to mind.
That scares me more than a bit. But speeding is a crime, it frightens people, and is a factor in many deaths and injuries.
I have also heard of someone who thinks it should be used for collecting information for other uses other than driver education. Is that a valid use of SpeedWatch? I'm unsure. There is a risk people with hidden agendas could become involved.
I also question whether the finance should instead go towards more local policing, but looking at the limited funds being made available, and seeing the massive cuts being made to the Police, that would look to be pie-in-the-sky.
I am undecided
At the moment I am very much keeping an open mind as despite my concerns there are benefits too. Road crashes are the biggest single killer of our young people and excess speed is very often a cause. I oppose the cuts that the Police force is presently suffering and question some of the priorities being set by our Government and County Council.
For what it's worth: MY CONCLUSION
I have reservations, unless it is controlled and managed fairly, used correctly, and there is full trust in those running it.
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