RESIDENTS in North Yorkshire are taking a stand against speeding motorists as part of a new police scheme.
North Yorkshire Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire Julia Mulligan launched the Community Speed Watch pilot programme at a handful of sites across the region.
From this week, residents in up to 50 sites across York, Selby and Harrogate, will be armed with hand-held radar guns and an LED speed sign, and record the details of speeding drivers.
Their work will be given to police, who will contact the drivers, and could take further action, depending on their speeds.
Gordon Hatton is a resident in Topcliffe, near Thirsk, one of the villages where the initiative has launched yesterday, and said at certain times of day speeding was a real problem.
He said: “I live on the main road and you can feel cars charging through the village, especially early in the morning.
“When I come into the village I drive slowly to slow people down behind me – speeding is a common problem across Hambleton, and I would certainly think about getting involved in this scheme.”
Topcliffe councillor Lynn Wallis says she believes there would be many residents willing to support the pilot.
“Anything that tackles speeding through the village is good – I’m very interested in finding out more about the scheme.”
Chief Inspector John Wilkinson has been leading on the project since it began to take shape in October.
He said he is certain it will be a success and hopes it will continue after the six-month pilot period, as well as being rolled out across the county.
He said: “It is exciting to see the pilot launched. The aim is to make drivers aware of how fast they are going – most do not consider themselves to be speeders so I hope that a polite letter from the Community Speed Watch will make people think.”
To find out more or to get involved with Community Speed Watch, contact the team at CommunitySpeedWatch@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or http://www.northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/
The pilot scheme is set to run for the next six months.
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