Parish takes on speeding drivers (From Gazette Series)

Parish takes on speeding drivers

A PARISH Speed Watch scheme aimed at slowing traffic through Cromhall is set to become even more effective.

Changes in funding within the Safety Camera Partnership mean that the team of volunteers who operate the scheme can now call up traffic police on a regular basis to ticket errant drivers on the spot.

Armed with a radar speed gun, parish councillor Sue Crosthwaite and a 12-strong group of volunteers have been operating Speed Watch for almost 18 months and have had a real impact on traffic speeds.

"It's been encouraging to see speeds gradually dropping but there's always a few drivers who won't take the hint unless they actually see police at the roadside," said Sue. "It doesn't matter how many signs you have or how large and visible the road markings - if drivers are bent on speeding it seems nothing will stop them.

"The new system means we can have police doing speed through the village and issuing fixed pentley tickets on a much more regular basis. Hopefully it will help the message get through to the regular offenders.

"Cromhall is a rat run for people going to and from the M5 and is short cut to t the Yate business park. It's a busy place and for safety's sake we have to do everything possible to keep speeds down."

Under the current scheme, two-person teams - fully kitted out in approved reflective coats - coduct speed checks at various random times of the day on the B4058 and B4509 roads, including the route towards Leyhill, at police approved check sites in and around the village.