Swanage in Dorset could soon be heading in the same direction as nearby Langton Matravers and Studland, by setting up a Community Speedwatch team.
This national initiative empowers local volunteers to contribute to road safety by raising awareness of the dangers of speeding, and to collect data to support local road safety measures, like introducing 20 mph zones or a new road crossing.
Dorset Police have supported Studland residents to form a Community Speedwatch team to help their campaign to lower the speed of the main road through the village to 20 mph
Monitoring vehicles that exceed the speed limit
A meeting led by Dorset Police’s Community Speedwatch coordinator, Maria Attwood and facilitated by Swanage Town Council is to be held at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 20th November 2024 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Victoria Avenue.
During the evening, information will be given about Community Speedwatch, including details about equipping volunteers, supported by Dorset Police, with a basic speed detection device to monitor vehicles that exceed the speed limit.
This device is not used to take photos, nor does it result in fines. Instead, the police send a warning letter to the registered vehicle owners, reminding them to observe the speed limit in the future.
By identifying areas where speeding is a recurring issue, Community Speedwatch also helps the police and local authorities better understand which locations require extra attention.
Langton Matravers was eventually successful in reducing the speed through the village to 20 mph, after years of campaigning
Lowering the limit to 20 mph
Dorset Council now specifies that an active Community Speedwatch should be in place for at least 12 months before applying to lower a speed limit to 20 mph:
“Communities considering a 20 mph scheme are strongly encouraged to establish a Community Speedwatch as a way of gaining evidence of existing speeds and encouraging improved compliance with the speed limit.”
Areas where a lower speed limit could be considered are outside schools like St Mary’s RC Primary School in Northbrook Road and The Swanage School in the High Street, or in the town centre.
Speed data could also be used to support an application for a puffin crossing, for roads like Victoria Avenue outside The Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Part of the main road into Swanage from Harman’s Cross was recently reduced to 30 mph, but should it go to 20 mph outside St Mark’s CE Primary and The Swanage School?
Northbrook Road outside St Mary’s RC Primary School can get busy with parked cars at pick up time
“Target areas they feel are dangerous”
Swanage town councillor Cliff Sutton, who chairs the council’s transport advisory committee said:
“There’s been a lot of talk recently about road safety in Swanage, especially around our schools.
“A Community Speedwatch team in Swanage would allow people to target areas they feel are dangerous, with the aim of making our roads a safe place for everyone.
“Anyone who is interested in hearing more is warmly welcome to come along to the meeting and at the end of the evening, there’ll be the chance to discuss the possibility of forming a local dedicated Community Speed Watch team.”
The Speedwatch device
Further information
- All welcome to attend the Community Speedwatch meeting at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 20th November 2024 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Victoria Avenue
- Dorset Police Community Speedwatch
- Dorset Council criteria for applying for a 20 mph zone
