Volunteers wanted for new 20mph speed watch scheme in Hertfordshire

Residents who are concerned about drivers breaking 20mph speed limits in their roads are invited to apply for a new speed watch scheme.

People living in streets that already have the lower speed limit can volunteer to form a DriveSafe group with their neighbours to encourage vehicles to slow down.

Those taking part in the programme, organised by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, will be trained to stand at the roadside and record details of speeding vehicles for sending advisory letters to the owners, with the aim of encouraging them to reduce their speed.

Volunteers will receive Speed Indicator Devices to carry out roadside monitoring of traffic.

They will be supported by local officers on site and by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) who will send out the advisory letters to drivers.

Speeding is a longstanding concern of Hertfordshire’s residents and the Commissioner David Lloyd is keen to pilot this extension of the DriveSafe scheme to empower local people to

make a difference in their own communities.

To monitor the effectiveness of the 20mph scheme a pilot is now open for five trial sites across the county.

Those interested in running a scheme are invited to apply to the OPCC to have one set up in their area.

All applicants must have the backing of ten other residents, including at least four people prepared to volunteer at the roadside.

The groups will be asked to operate for 12 roadside sessions, starting in spring and ending in autumn 2022.

The impact of the pilot will be evaluated as average speed and compliance data will be captured at each site before and after the roadside monitoring sessions.

Those interested in applying can find out more details and register at hertscommissioner.org/community-drivesafe-scheme-hertfordshire before February 28 2022.