Speed checks by village volunteers

Volunteer village residents will be armed with speed cameras and electronic Speed Indicator Devices (SID) to try to reduce speeding.

In West Berkshire, parish councillors will be trained to use roadside SIDs to encourage motorists to stick to limits. When motorists break the limit, they’ll be admonished by a digital display of a sad face. Under the limit they get a smiley face.

At the moment, only one is in operation, employed by Alan Dunkerton, speed management co-ordinator for West Berkshire council. Dunkerton predicts it will be up to six months before any councillors will be able to use the devices, as there are some questions about their sensitivity and accuracy.

” It is a bit out, but if no-one is being prosecuted, then what the hell? ” asked Dunkerton.

However, in Ringmar, East Sussex, a laser speed gun has been issued by police. The volunteers will record the registration numbers of motorists and pass them onto police, who will send out a warning letter.

Ringmar’s Community Speed Watch is being run as a three-month pilot, with ten volunteers who will wearing flourescent jackets. The ten are all members of RADAR; (Ringmar Against Drivers Acting Recklessly).

Ringmar has had three accidents resulting in slight injuries in the three years leading up to 2002, according to police records, an average of one slight injury a year.

But if the scheme is deemed a success, other areas in Sussex may follow suit.

Are these measures reasonable? Or is this overkill? Post your thoughts and comments on the News message board.