Speeding in Woodley is a concern for many residents. Whilst Woodley Town Council has no jurisdiction over the highway, we can take measures to support the Police and encourage a reduction in speed.
The Council has created a Community Speedwatch group, organised by Councillors, which utilises volunteers to run Speedwatch activities in speeding hot spots across the area.
Community Speedwatch is a national scheme, supported by Thames Valley Police (TVP), which aims to increase public awareness of speeding and thereby improve safety and quality of life for local communities. Groups monitor the speed of traffic using authorised equipment and then share details of any speeding vehicles with TVP. Following review of the data, TVP issue warning letters to motorists and, in serious cases, may arrange a visit by a police officer to discuss driving behaviour. TVP also uses Community Speedwatch information when deploying their own speed enforcement activities.
Suggest a Speedwatch location
If you believe there is a particular location in Woodley where speeding is a problem, then we’d like to hear from you.
For a location to be considered suitable for monitoring the speed of traffic, it must:
- Be in a 20mph, 30 mph or 40 mph zone
- Have an even area of ground, 1 metre from the road edge, to site the camera tripod, and provide a safe area, at least 2 metres from the kerb, to allow pedestrians to pass safely
- Have a clear line of sight of at least 100 metres to vehicles approaching or leaving the camera location
- Not be close to a busy junction
- Not be in sight of an existing speed camera or within 100 metres of a speed limit change
Once a location is suggested, Speedwatch coordinators and Thames Valley Police will check the location to ensure if it meets the criteria for monitoring. Only after the location has been authorised by Thames Valley Police can monitoring take place.
If you would like to recommend a location for monitoring, please complete and submit the form below.
Volunteering
Volunteering with the Community Speedwatch Group involves taking part in road side sessions by setting up the camera, supervising the site for the duration of the session (typically 60 – 90 minutes, in daylight hours only), and then packing up the kit and returning it to the Co-ordinator. You may also find yourself chatting to interested passers by who want to know more about Speedwatch.
There is always a minimum of two operators at each session. Each volunteer is given training on safety, procedure and equipment and will be issued with a Hi-vis jacket. The Group is covered by TVP insurance.
Participation in sessions is flexible – so you can make a regular commitment or simply take part ‘as and when’ is convenient to you. Speedwatch Operators must be aged 18 or over and hardy enough to lift a camera and tripod, and stand/sit outside for 90 minutes. Note that we are not allowed to operate in heavy rain or other bad weather!
If you would like to volunteer to assist with Community Speedwatch activities in the area, then please email your contact details to speedwatch@woodley.gov.uk.
