Volunteer speed camera operators
become first in country to be given
enforcement powers

14.08.2019

A group of volunteer speed camera operators in Essex will become the first in the country to be given enforcement powers.

The Harwich and District Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) Volunteers completed a two-day laser operators’ training course, delivered by Road Safety Support earlier this year.

For the first time, the volunteers will submit the offences they detect on a hand-held mobile camera to Essex Police for enforcement purposes.

Traditionally, volunteers like this, known in other areas as community speed watch groups, have no enforcement ability and a warning letter is merely sent to offending motorists.

Their role will include a variety of education and enforcement activities to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads. They will also attend local events, schools and colleges to raise awareness of speeding, failing to wear a seat belt, using a mobile phone while driving or driving while under the influence of drink or drugs – commonly known as the Fatal 4.

Nicola Foster, chair of SERP, said: “This is a fantastic new initiative that supports residents who want to increase the awareness of the fatal 4 within their community and who are prepared to give up their time to be a visible safe presence on the roads.

“Please encourage everyone you know to drive safely, which includes keeping within the speed limits; particularly through rural communities and to support the work of these volunteers.

“We are privileged to have the support of these new SERP volunteers, in supporting Vision Zero in Essex.”

Dave Blackiston, co-ordinator of the Harwich and District SERP volunteers, said: “The new ‘Safer Essex Roads Partnership Volunteer’ Team come from the local community and will work with the community to increase the awareness of the consequences of the fatal 4, through education and enforcement.

“We hope our presence will act as a deterrent and will make people aware of their speed. This isn’t about catching people, this about building on the work of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership in saving lives.

“I feel very proud to be able to support our local area by highlighting the dangers of unsafe driving.”

The pilot initiative, which launched on July 31, will be reviewed after 12 months.

For more information about Road Safety Support’s speed camera operator training courses please contact us

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