One of the biggest concerns raised at public meetings attended by police officers in the New Forest is speeding motorists.
Now, thanks to the launch of Community Speedwatch, residents across the New Forest are being empowered to tackle speeding motorists in their communities.
Newly appointed and trained Speedwatch volunteers were on the B3079 fir the first time on Thursday, December 15, monitoring the speed of traffic and recording details of any vehicle that exceeded the speed limit. In just over an hour more than ten vehicles were recorded travelling at over 30mph.
The vehicle information is passed on to police who will send a letter to the registered keeper advising them that their vehicle was recorded exceeding the speed limit. A warning about the associated risks of speeding will also be sent with the aim of educating drivers about the effects of speeding.
PC Dee Faulkner, who is managing the Minstead, Bramshaw and Copythorne Community Speedwatch scheme said: “We have had over twenty volunteers from the community and there are still some being processed. People are really keen to help tackle one of the issues that we find is most prevalent in the New Forest. Some drivers don’t seem to realise the dangers to themselves and the people and animals around them when they break the speed limit on these roads. This scheme should make them think twice and make these roads safer for everyone, and it’s great to see residents coming together to improve their local area.”
Anyone interested in becoming a Speedwatch volunteer or requires further information should contact their local police station on 101 or visit – www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/news/campaigns/speedwatch.htm
