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Many villages and small towns have a problem with vehicles
that fail to reduce speed. On country routes, a 60mph zone may
regularly become a 40mph zone as it passes through small
communities.
Yet many drivers don't reduce their speed until they are well
past the speed limit sign. And many only slow down by a small
amount - not enough to be within the speed limit.
These drivers risk the safety of local residents and pedestrians
- especially children.
What is the Speed Watch scheme?
Speed Watch is a scheme that gives parish councils around the
county a chance to record the speed of vehicles travelling through
their area.
A speed indication device is set up to measure how fast vehicles
are moving within the lower speed limit. This is a sign that shows
the driver their speed - but only if the vehicle is over the speed
limit. The registration numbers of vehicles found to be speeding
are then logged.
If a driver is found to be speeding twice within a twelve-month
period, the registered owner receives a warning letter from the
police. If the same vehicle is caught three times, there is a
further warning, and possibly follow-up action by police
officers.
What is the aim of the scheme?
The scheme has two aims:
- to educate drivers about the consequences of speeding, and to
make them more aware of their own driving habits
- to allow residents to help improve road safety in villages
where speeding is a constant problem
Who runs the scheme?
The Speed Watch scheme is run by Kent Police in partnership with
Kent County Council and Medway Council.
How can residents get a Speed Watch scheme in their
village?
If residents feel that there is a constant problem with cars
failing to slow down as they enter a lower speed limit area, they
should contact their parish council.
The parish council can fund a speed indication device for their
village, and join the Speed Watch
scheme. |