Road safety scheme launches in Elkstone

SAFETY-CONSCIOUS residents are taking part in a new scheme to battle speeding in their village.

The Community Speed Watch scheme is being launched in Elkstone and will involve residents co-ordinating with police and the neighbourhood watch to battle dangerous drivers.

Residents taking part in the scheme will receive training and equipment, including handheld speed monitoring devices, from police officers.

Data from the speed monitoring will be analysed and a plan will be developed by the community to address any issues they identify.

Other elements of the scheme will include working with schools and community groups to highlight dangers on the road.

The scheme was developed by PC Vicky Stinchcombe and PCSO Andrea Shutt from Gloucestershire police's Local Policing Team for Cirencester, along with Neighbourhood Watch officer Andy Fogden and the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership.

It is the second initiative of its kind to launch in Gloucestershire after a similar scheme was launched in Rodborough recently.

Gloucestershire police Sergeant Darren Rosewell said driving just five miles per hour over the speed limit in a 30mph zone doubles the chances that a pedestrian will die if they are hit.

"Let's be clear, the speed limit is there for a reason - road safety," he said. "20 means 20, 30 means 30, 40 means 40.

"Drivers need to use a speed that is appropriate and safe in the circumstances.

"Inappropriate speed is not only a danger to other road users but also causes fear and concerns within local communities".

Gloucestershire police Inspector Jason Keates said the groups were working together to address concerns around road safety.

"Cirencester Local Policing Team has been working with us in developing the Community Speed Watch element of a wider tool kit that communities will be able to use to address local speed concerns," he said.

"I would like to thank all those that have put themselves forward as volunteers.

"Hopefully this will demonstrate that, when communities work together with organisations such as the police and the Road Safety Partnership we can make a difference."

Garry Handley OBE from the Road Safety Partnership said speed limits should not see speed limits as a target, and it is often much safer to driver slower.

"Motorists should never forget the impact that their speed can have on innocent people going about their journeys before a collision occurs," he said.

"These campaigns will act as reminders to all road users that they have a responsibility to always use the roads with care and consideration for other road users and driving at an appropriate speed is one of the most import things to get right.

"Calmer traffic reduces risk and fear and can encourage more walking and cycling so it's not just about safety it's also about improving the quality of life for all road users."

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