Many local residents will have noticed small groups of volunteers standing by the roadside in Melplash at various times during the week, wearing high-visibility jackets and holding speed monitoring equipment. These volunteers are part of our Melplash Community Speedwatch Team, a local initiative dedicated to improving road safety for everyone who lives, works, or travels through our village.
Community Speedwatch is not about punishment or catching drivers out. Instead, it focuses on education, awareness, and prevention. The aim is simple: to encourage drivers to slow down and think about the impact of their speed on our village community.
Our Speedwatch team is made up entirely of local volunteers who give their time to help make our roads safer. Working in partnership with the police, the team monitors vehicle speeds at approved locations where speeding has been identified as a concern. Drivers who exceed the speed limit are recorded, and warning letters may be sent to registered keepers, reminding them of the importance of driving responsibly.
The presence of Speedwatch volunteers alone has been shown to make a difference. Studies and local experience suggest that visible monitoring encourages drivers to slow down, particularly repeat users of village roads. This helps reduce the risk of accidents and makes our streets feel safer and more pleasant for everyone.
Importantly, Community Speedwatch does not issue fines or penalty points. It is a constructive and community-led approach that relies on cooperation rather than enforcement. However, persistent offenders can be flagged to the police, who may take further action if necessary.
New volunteers are always welcome. No previous experience is required, and full training and equipment are provided. Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they are able.
Please contact Sarah on sarah.ellis1952@gmail.com or call 07391 904938 for further information or to volunteer.
www.communityspeedwatch.org - for further information about Speedwatch