Councillors launch community speedwatch campaign in Fens villages due to ‘intolerable’ speeding

Councillors Sarah Bligh and Gavin Booth say that they have received a “very high volume” of through traffic in Guyhirn, Murrow, Parson Drove, Thorney Toll and Wisbech St Mary.

It comes as traffic is diverted from the A47 when incidents occur.

Already 129 vehicles have been caught speeding since the project started in June, with the 33 “significantly over the speed limit” set to be contacted by police.

“It has become intolerable and a community speedwatch (CSW) has been established, helped and endorsed by the Cambridgeshire Constabulary and with the support of the parish councils”, Cllr Bligh said.

“We are determined that it will educate drivers to respect our community, slow down, keep to the speed limits and drive carefully for the safety of our residents and in particular our children.”

Ward resident Diane Cutler, who has been a keen supporter in the area for other schemes and projects, volunteered to assist co-ordinating the local group.

She has organised training sessions with the CSW local area co-ordinator and operational CSW sessions with volunteers trained by the Cambridgeshire Constabulary scheme.

Cllr Gavin Booth led as primary co-ordinator as he had previous experience and was acquainted with the CSW police representative.

Cllr Sarah Bligh designed promotional and advertising material and the distinctive CSW logo.

Teams may only deploy in 30 mph and 40 mph areas.

The scheme went live following training on June 30 and to date the statistics are:

Sessions completed – 23

Number of vehicles monitored - 1290

Number of speeding vehicles – 129

Number of vehicles significantly over the speed limit - 33

National evidence indicates that:

• At 40 mph there is a 31 per cent fatality rate

• At 30 mph there is a 7 per cent fatality rate

• At 20 mph there is a 1 per cent fatality rate

Contact Diane at csw.wsmpdward@gmail.com to volunteer for training or for further information.