Community SpeedWatch
Community SpeedWatch gives local people the ability to actively get involved in road safety. The scheme also educates motorists who speed on the impact their actions have and the danger they pose to other road users and pedestrians.
What does Community SpeedWatch do?
Community SpeedWatch is made up of a network of community volunteers who monitor traffic speeds through scheduled high-visibility roadside sessions. These sessions are part of our evidence-based approach to addressing speeding and road safety concerns.
Our objectives are to:
- reduce average speeds on Avon and Somerset’s roads
- lower the number and severity of road casualties
- enhance road safety to improve the quality of life in our communities
These objectives form part of a wider aim to prioritise the reduction of fatal and serious injury collisions. They also align with the Avon and Somerset Police Road Safety Strategy and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan.
I want to report a speeding concern
If speeding is an issue in your area, you should complete our Community Speed Concern form to let us know.
How Community SpeedWatch works
A Community SpeedWatch can be set up in any area that is governed by either a 20, 30 or 40 miles per hour speed limit. Once a scheme is set up, activities will include:
- trained volunteers monitoring set areas, with access to support and resources
- warning letters sent to owners of vehicles observed speeding, along with advice to help change their driving behaviour
- police taking further action against persistent and high-end speeding offenders
Joining Community SpeedWatch
There are two routes to becoming a Community SpeedWatch volunteer. You can either join an existing scheme, or set up your own if there isn’t one covering the area you would like to monitor.
I want to join an existing Community SpeedWatch scheme
To join a Community SpeedWatch scheme, you must be over 18 years old. You will also need to complete mandatory training in order to attend roadside sessions.
Before you apply to join a Community SpeedWatch scheme, you will need to:
- watch the Community SpeedWatch video
- complete the Community SpeedWatch Knowledge Check and achieve a 100% score
When you pass the Knowledge Check, you will be asked to complete the application form. When filling out the application form, you will need to provide:
- your name, date, and place of birth
- your contact information, including an email and phone number
- details of the scheme you would like to join and which network it sits under
Once your application is approved, you will be assigned a reference number and will be subject to a suitability check. The suitability check involves:
- a criminal record check – all applicants are considered individually, so previous convictions will not automatically disqualify you
- standard security checks required for all volunteer positions
Community SpeedWatch volunteers are expected to follow the Code of Conduct (PDF).
I want to start a new Community SpeedWatch scheme
If there is not a scheme in your local area, you can apply to start a new one.
Schemes must have:
- at least three volunteers to operate a session
- an identifiable location where there is a speeding concern
- data to support the speeding concern
Before you apply to start a Community SpeedWatch scheme, you will need to:
- watch the Community SpeedWatch video
- complete the Community SpeedWatch Knowledge Check and achieve a 100% score
When you pass the Knowledge Check, you will be asked to complete the application form. When filling out the application form, you will need to provide:
- your name, date, and place of birth
- your contact information, including an email and phone number
- where your new scheme would be based
- its name based on this location
- which network you think it would sit under
Once you have applied, your nominated site will be assessed by the Roads Policing Unit (RPU). This will include checks to see if it is a suitable location for monitoring. Monitoring should only take place in:
- an approved direction with good visibility
- good visibility, and only during the hours of daylight
- good weather, not raining or snowing
Other considerations when selecting a Community SpeedWatch location include:
- if there is a safe place to stand and operate with escape routes
- if there is a minimum of 60 metres of clear view
- whether junctions or visibility for drivers will be hindered
- if activity will obstruct footpaths or cycle lanes
Ready to join us?
To find out if there is a Community SpeedWatch Scheme in your area, or request to set one up, email CommunitySpeedWatch@avonandsomerset.police.uk.