Hampshire: Residents asked to consider speedwatch volunteering

A police force has asked people to consider volunteering with community speedwatch schemes.

Hampshire Constabulary wants residents to join the groups, which use radar speed guns to monitor drivers and send data to the force.

Drivers receive a speed awareness letter from the police rather than a speeding ticket.

About 100 groups are currently active in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with 1,000 volunteers involved.

The Chandler's Ford Community Speedwatch Scheme was set up in 2015 and was recently nominated for a community award.

Tony, one of the volunteers, said: "Getting involved is better than just moaning about speeding on local roads.

"If it saves one child's life and discourages speeding it is all worth it."

Ch Insp Matt Paling, of Hampshire Constabulary, said the schemes were primarily about education rather than enforcement.

"It is a first tier response to speeding issues, if a problem persists it can be escalated," he said.

"We have seen a really good success rate - when they get that early education we do not see repeat offenders and we see a downturn in speeding on the roads."

The Chandler's Ford group reported the number of speeding drivers dropping on some local roads, but increasing on others.

Derek, group coordinator, said the highest speed they've recorded was 72mph in a 30mph limit.

"Making a difference is satisfying," he said.

"The majority of drivers respond positively, some become particularly upset because they mistakenly believe they will receive a fine."

He continued: "If that happens, we stop the operation and pull away because we do not want any aggression."

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