NEW SCHEME HELPS COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS TACKLE SPEEDING IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

A new initiative, Community Speed Watch is being launched by North Lincolnshire Council to give local communities more power over speeding vehicles.
The proposal involves members of local communities working voluntarily with police support to monitor speeds of vehicles using handheld speed detection devices.
More recently, the initiative has been given the go ahead as the council works jointly with Safer Roads Humber and Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner to support its introduction.
The scheme is expected to start in April 2018.
The council has agreed with Humberside Police that an initial pilot will take place in five communities in North Lincolnshire for two weeks in each community during March and April 2018. 
Those communities are Belton, North Killingholme, South Killingholme, Thornton Curtis and Ulceby.
If a community believes it has a problem with speeding, town and parish councils or action groups can report a site of concern to Humberside Police (a form will be available shortly).
If a site is assessed as suitable for Community Speed Watch, they will be contacted by Humberside Police.
Fully trained volunteers will visit approved sites with a handheld speed detection device to record:

• Speed
• Registration number
• Colour of vehicle
• Make of vehicle

Anyone recorded to be speeding zone will receive a letter from Humberside Police to inform them of their offence and the need to address their behaviour.
The police will maintain a close watch on the recorded data and may take enforcement action if a persistent or extreme offender becomes apparent.
The North Lincolnshire Council scheme will be used as a basis for other areas to create their own scheme.
Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for Safer, Greener and Cleaner Places, said: “The Community Speed Watch initiative will give local communities more power. It will allow them to take positive action in a controlled environment against speeding drivers.
“Not only does the scheme aim to tackle speeding but it aims to educate drivers about speed limits and make them aware of the adverse effect their driving behaviour has on communities.
“The presence of the volunteers will act as a deterrent and aims to encourage road users to exercise more care on the road.
“Community Speed Watch will complement the North Lincolnshire Speed Management Strategy, where regular speed checks are carried out around North Lincolnshire.”

NF ADDS: If the pilot scheme proves successful, could Brigg, Broughton and some nearby villages be included in phase two? And could this scheme be used to tackle the long-standing issue of drivers who ignore the restrictions and enter our town centre's pedestrian area? Shoppers should be able to walk freely without having to step aside to let vehicles pass by. According to the signs, see  example below, vehicles are only permitted to enter the zone for LOADING purposes or if a permit is granted!