Extra funding to tackle speeding motorists in Wiltshire

Extra funding to recruit extra traffic enforcement officers and state-of-the-art camera equipment in a bid to tackle persistent speeding issues has been announced by the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Wiltshire Police already has one civilian Community Enforcement Officer, recruited earlier this year, following a £70,000 investment.

This additional investment will see two, new, Community Enforcement Officers recruited, alongside the purchase of additional camera equipment.

The expanded team, which has its own enforcement capacity, will work closely with the Community Speed Watch volunteers to identify and target speeding hotspots across the county.

PCC Philip Wilkinson, who met the Force's Community Enforcement Officer earlier this week and saw the camera in action, said:

“Speeding is dangerous, it kills and blights communities: making crossing the road dangerous for the young and elderly and putting people off cycling or walking through their communities.

“Residents are concerned and this is echoed by Community Speed Watch volunteers - as a result road safety will be a key element in my upcoming Police and Crime Plan.

“They have told me how persistent speeding is ruining the villages and towns they live in, drivers have a blatant disregard for our volunteers, abuse them, and seemingly nothing is helping to change drivers’ behaviours so far and that is simply not good enough.

“I am delighted to be announcing this extra funding. More resources dedicated to targeting speeding will mean there will be more of a deterrent on our roads. People will be safer and that is our main aim."

Det Supt Chris Hanson, who is responsible for criminal justice and speed enforcement welcomed the funding;

"Speeding is anti-social and dangerous and the consequences can be catastrophic for families who lose a loved one. There is a clear correlation between enforcement of speed limits and a reduction in casualties.”

Currently, the Force’s enforcement officer uses the latest state-of-the-art, roadside, Home Office approved equipment and works alongside the volunteers to collate intelligence, developing a targeted enforcement approach across those communities where there are speeding issues.

Depending on the severity of the offence, drivers could be fined, summonsed to court or offered a driver improvement course.

Investment by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Wiltshire Police has already provided the current enforcement officer, camera equipment and improved the back office processes to swiftly deal with enforcement and administer the large level of intelligence provided the Community Speed Watch volunteers.