Residents to take on speeding motorists in Southampton

They will be given specialist camera equipment to catch people in the act and hand over the evidence to officers.

Police will then write to drivers warning of the dangers of driving too fast, under the new scheme being launched in Southampton today.

Called Community Speed- Watch, police chiefs say the idea is to empower local people to tackle the drivers who are putting their own lives as well as others’ at risk.

It also aims to educate motorists on the effects of speeding and reduce the problem in communities.

The scheme will be launched on a Southampton road later today and is being run in conjunction with Southampton City Council.

Sgt Phil Lamb said: “Many people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight tell us that speeding vehicles are a big community concern.

“It is because of this that we have launched the scheme and trained extra officers from our neighbourhood policing teams to tackle speeding.

“This approach to dealing with speeding does not replace what police officers already do, it actually means more preventative activity can take place in areas of concern.”

Councillor Phil Williams, Southampton City Council Cabinet member for community safety and local services, added: “We’ve been looking at ways to involve residents more in the issues that they care about. Whether you live in Weston, Bargate or my area of Bitterne Park, many residents feel more action is needed on speeding traffic in their area. As a local authority, we have been doing a lot.

“There is more to do. If we want to tackle the issue, drivers, residents and the police need to work together.

“Community Speedwatch will really help this. It is working in parts of Hampshire. A similar scheme has also proved hugely successful in Wiltshire.”

Anyone who applies and becomes a police support volunteer is subject to a vetting process, which is supported by Hampshire County Council.

• For more information log onto hampshire.police.uk..