Wiltshire drivers warned speed limits 'not a target'
Over 3,000 vehicles have been caught speeding in the county this year
We've been told by Wiltshire Police's Speed Enforcement Team that they're not out to catch people speeding - rather using their presence as a deterrent.
And they're warning us to check our speed when at the wheel to ensure safety on the roads.
Almost 3,500 vehicles have been caught speeding on Wiltshire's roads in the first four months of the year - and Sarah Holden, community road safety team supervisor at the Force, says there's been more investment into speed enforcement.
She said: "We've had very heavy investment from our force and police and Crime Commissioner to get a dedicated team of enforcement officers out there to enforce the speed limits in our county.
"So it's thanks to that investment that we actually know that, that that we have speeding issue."
After the static cameras around the county were switched off some 10 years ago, very little speed enforcement was carried out in Wiltshire. But the team are now covering hundreds of locations across the county to try and deter people from speeding.
Having streamlined their processes, the team also have dedicated vehicles to make them more visible in communities.
"Our aim is not to catch speeders, we want to be a visible presence on the roadside and in our communities," Ms Holden said, "Often that physical presence alone is enough to make drivers consider their speed, and is often enough to reduce vehicle speeding in our communities."
She's warning drivers that speed limits are there for safety and are not 'a target'.
Speeding penalties and reducing speeds in communities
Drivers who are caught speeding may be offered a speed awareness course, which costs around £85. However if you've already done one in the previous three years, you'll be issued with a fine and handed points on your licence.
The fine is £100.
Drivers doing 'excessive' speed will be sent to court, which usually results in a £660 fine and six licence points.
Ms Holden said that anyone concerned about speeding in their communities should contact their town/parish council to request a traffic survey.
"It could be more of a perception than reality," she said, but a traffic survey would lead to conversations about reducing speeds in communities.
"If it comes back meeting the criteria for speed education or police enforcement, then that's the point that we can get involved and come and do some enforcement work."