Speedwatch

Many villages and small towns have a problem with vehicles that fail to reduce speed. On country routes, a 60mph zone may regularly become a 30mph zone as it passes through small communities. Yet many drivers don't reduce their speed until they are well past the speed limit sign. And many only slow down by a small amount - not enough to be within the speed limit. These drivers risk the safety of local residents and pedestrians - especially children. 

What is the Speed Watch scheme? 

Speed Watch is a scheme that gives parish councils around the county a chance to record the speed of vehicles travelling through their area. A speed indication display (SID) is set up to measure how fast vehicles are moving within the lower speed limit. This is a sign that shows the driver their speed - but only if the vehicle is over the speed limit. The registration numbers of vehicles found to be speeding are then logged. If a driver is found to be speeding twice within a twelve-month period, the registered owner receives a warning letter from the police. If the same vehicle is caught three times, there is a further warning, and possibly follow-up action by police officers. 

What is the aim of the scheme? 

The scheme has two aims: 

• to educate drivers about the consequences of speeding, 
• and to make them more aware of their own driving habits to allow residents to help improve road safety in villages where speeding is a constant problem. 

Who runs the scheme?

The Speed Watch scheme is run by Kent Police in partnership with Kent County Council and Pembury Parish Council.