First-ever ‘live’ South Warnborough community speedwatch session, supported by PCSO Liz Wallace.
 
Our first-ever ‘live’ speedwatch session was held in the afternoon on 22nd May 2023, and by the end of 2023 we have completed 53 CSW sessions and recorded 1,188 speeding vehicles. To help “re-educate” speeding drivers 963 letters have been sent out by the Police who have also visited 19 very high speeders and 4 multiple offenders.

We have 12 active speedwatch volunteers, all of whom have completed the necessary training by Hampshire Police and more volunteers are always welcome.

The South Warnborough CSW uses a handheld radar gun that was purchased by the SWPC following advice from the Police.

Three locations on the Alton Road (B3349) have been designated for speedwatch activities by the Police. These are: opposite Granary Barns, outside the Village shop and near Kings Street garage at the entrance to the 40 mph zone.
Speedwatch sessions are conducted during the rush-hour times highlighted by the static SID (Speed Indicator Device). This is usually between 07.30 – 09.00 and 16.00 – 18.00 during the week, and slightly later at weekends. The days and times for sessions are deliberately random.

In the early days we were recording approximately 40 vehicles travelling above the allowed speed limit in a 1–1.5-hour speedwatch session. This has now reduced to approximately 20 per session as the scheme has taken effect. We have to allow 10% +2mph because of the calibration of car speedometers so we record 35mph and above in the 30mph zone and 46mph and above in the 40mph zone.

The response from the passing motorists is interesting! We have had many toots and gesticulations, some of which are not always friendly. However, the majority and also the local residents seem to appreciate the purpose of our activities. We are also aware that our location is often quickly uploaded to the traffic app “Waze” and once that happens then the traffic tends to slow quite rapidly.

Any information we capture is uploaded and sent to the Police within 5 days, and a shoutout to Tim for doing a sterling job with this! We receive regular analysis from the Police, which shows the number of letters sent out to speeding drivers based on our data. Very high speeders (eg 50mph in a 30mph zone) receive an automatic visit from the Police. The intention of the letters and the visits is to re-educate offending drivers.

The data collected at our Speedwatch sessions has enabled us to secure funding from the Parish Council to purchase and install a second SID (speed indicator device) so we are now able to remind drivers of their speed as they enter the village from both Alton and Odiham, encouraging them to slow down.

We are also looking for more volunteers, as this will reduce the time commitment for everyone. There are always at least 3 volunteers on each session so this is also a great way to meet and socialise whilst alll providing a valuable service for the village. If anyone is interested please get in touch.

The SW Speedwatch is managed by Hampshire Police not by SWPC, although the PC did fund the original speedguns and accessories.  

If you would like to get involved please email: Cllr Nuggy Topham at nuggy.topham@southwarnboroughpc.org.uk and she will be able to put you in touch with the Speedwatch Co-ordinators.