TEN new Community Speed Watch groups have been welcomed by Warwickshire Police.
It takes the number of Community Speed Watch (CSW) groups monitoring speeds to 56.
The ten new groups include Wootton Wawen, Baginton, Wellesbourne, Henley, Tanworth, Earlswood, Radford Semele and Hampton Lucy.
During their training day the volunteers learnt how to calibrate and use the speed detection devices to get them conducting roadside speed checks as soon as possible.
Volunteers also received a comprehensive health and safety briefing to ensure they are as safe as possible whilst checking driver speeds.
Chief Inspector Faz Chishty said: “The feedback from the event has been extremely positive.
“This is a huge boost for CSW and the volunteers who successfully completed the course have now bolstered the numbers monitoring speeds in local communities across the county.”
Representing Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe was Chris Lewis, who said: “We want less crashes. Without doubt, speed kills and we need to maintain the pressure to get those who disrespect speed limits and take unnecessary risks to slow down.
“No one agency can do that on their own. It has got to be a partnership approach utilising various methods.
“In that respect Community Speed Watch has a vital role to play and we are grateful to the volunteers who are helping us.”
Any vehicles found to be exceeding the speed limit are referred to Warwickshire Police and receive a letter with the aim of educating drivers to reduce their speeds. However, in cases where education is ignored and there is evidence of repeat or excessive offences, even across county borders, enforcement and prosecution follow.
Anyone interested in forming a CSW group in their area, should contact their local Safer Neighbourhood team whose details can be found at www.warwickshire.police.uk.
