Community Speed Watch (CSW) guidance and registration
Everything you need to know about getting involved, training, equipment and how the scheme works.
What is CSW
- Designed to involve local communities working together to reduce speeding in their area
- Aims to improve driver behaviour and road safety via education
The aims of CSW
- Help improve driver behaviour
- To proactively improve road safety
- To make your community safer.
This is a scheme set up for the public to let us know about locations where they're concerned about speeding.
We'll assess the location and if we think it's a good and safe place for monitoring to happen, trained members of the community will visit the location to record the details of offending vehicles.
What's captured
- speed
- registration number
- vehicle colour and make
Anyone caught speeding will be sent a letter from us informing them of their offence.
We also monitor the data so we can take action against repeat offenders or those severely breaking the speed limit.
Volunteers
To find out more about becoming a Community Speed watch volunteer email us.
Speed check locations
All locations are risked assessed to make sure it's safe for our volunteers and other road users. Community Speed watch only operates in a 30mph and 40mph speed limit. Please email us for more details.
Time commitments
There is an expectation of at least five road side sessions per year to make the scheme viable in your area.
Training
Full training is given to volunteers. This training will be provided by the force’s Speed Watch coordination officer and a Safer Neighbourhood officer.
We hold regular training sessions or, where an area has six or more volunteers for training, we'll attend your area to conduct the training.
Safety
Volunteers are given full training and safety equipment to make sure they're clearly visible to road users.
Number of volunteers needed to start a new group
A minimum of six volunteers, including a group co-ordinator, are required to start a new group in an area.
Equipment
Volunteers are required to wear high visibility jackets when conducting a speed check and position Community Speed Watch signs to alert road users that a speed watch session is taking place.
A handheld radar speed device is required for recording speeds of vehicles.
How to get a Speed Watch kit for your area
Funding for the equipment will need to be applied and costs around £500. It is usually funded by local parish councils and other available community funding grants.
Please email us to explore funding options.
How to get involved
Email us to find out if Community Speed watch operates in your area or if you want to set up a new group.