1,000 Community Speed Watch volunteers thanked for keeping Essex communities safe in Volunteers Week

More than 1,000 Community Speed Watch volunteers across Essex are being thanked for the vital role they play in helping keep their communities safe as Volunteers’ Week is celebrated across the UK.

Supported by PFCC Essex, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP), Community Speed Watch gives local people the opportunity to help reduce risks and improve road safety where they live and work.

Volunteers monitor the speed of passing vehicles using handheld devices, with information recorded and passed to Essex Police to support further action, ranging from letters sent to motorists to additional police enforcement.

This year also marks 20 years of Community Speed Watch in Essex, with volunteers continuing to play a key role in supporting Essex’s Vision Zero ambition to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the county’s roads by 2040.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and Chairman of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership Board, said: "Too many road traffic collisions happen on Essex’s roads every year because of speeding.

"Community Speed Watch volunteers are continuing to make a real difference - their monitoring activity on the ground highlights the benefit of taking a proactive approach to road safety.

"In the 20 years since the introduction of the Community Speed Watch initiative in the county, countless numbers of volunteers have made a positive impact. Their presence acts as a reminder to drivers about the need to take extra care and be vigilant on the road.

"The ambition of Vision Zero to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries by 2040 in Essex cannot be achieved without the efforts of Community Speed Watch volunteers.

"That is why it is particularly important during Volunteers’ Week to thank them for going the extra mile to keep the county’s roads safe."

Community Speed Watch volunteers come from all walks of life but share a common goal - helping to make their communities safer.

Among them is Paul Bonnett, a Community Speed Watch volunteer and Stondon Massey Parish Councillor. "We do it because we live here," he said.

"You know the area. You know where children are waiting for buses, where people walk their dogs and where cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians can be put at risk by speeding vehicles.

"The satisfaction comes from knowing you're doing your bit to help keep the community safe.

"Sometimes we'll only record a handful of speeding vehicles, and that's a good thing because it means people are paying attention and slowing down.

"We often get people stopping to thank us. They tell us they'd like to see Community Speed Watch in their area too. That shows people value what volunteers are doing.

"Success for us isn't about how many people we record. It's about encouraging drivers to think differently. If people are slowing down because they're more aware of their speed, then that's a positive outcome for everyone.

"I'd encourage anyone who cares about their community to consider getting involved. You don't need any special experience and all the training and support is provided.

"It's a great way to meet people, make a positive difference and play a part in keeping your local area safe.

"If you've ever thought something should be done about speeding where you live, Community Speed Watch gives you the chance to be part of the solution."

Community Speed Watch volunteers receive training through SERP-approved Trainers Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, including roadside safety training, and are provided with equipment and ongoing support from a dedicated Community Speed Watch Co-ordinator and Essex Police.

Information gathered during roadside sessions is shared with Essex Police to support education and enforcement activity where appropriate.

As Community Speed Watch enters its third decade in Essex, more volunteers are being encouraged to get involved.

No previous experience is needed and full training, equipment and support are provided.

To find out more about joining an existing Community Speed Watch group or setting up a new group in your area, email community.speedwatch@essex-fire.gov.uk.