Willian village campaign group crackdown on speeding drivers

Willian Community Group members have been taking to the streets with portable speed checking equipment to record the licence plates of vehicles exceeding the 30mph limit. 

They are taking part in a Community DriveSafe scheme run by Hertfordshire police, and have completed training and vetting with the force.

Deborah Dawson, one of the residents volunteering for the scheme, said that drivers caught speeding would “get an advisory letter explaining that they could have been prosecuted, had this been a police speed check”. 

“Drivers that speed frequently could get a visit from a police officer,” she added.

The team of Willian volunteers set up their equipment at random times and days of the week.

Judy Taylor, part of the team, said: “We want to encourage drivers to slow down and drive safely through our small village.

Speed check equipment used by Willian Community Group volunteers. Credit: Cllr Claire Winchester.

“We also aim to collect data on traffic volume and speeds to use to make the case for further signage or traffic-calming measures to improve safety.”

Ian Bunce, who leads the Community DriveSafe scheme at Hertfordshire police, said he was “delighted” the villagers are up and running, and added that the scheme “makes a real difference to traffic speeds, empowers residents and has lasting effects”.

Ward councillor Claire Winchester has visited the volunteers and said they “deserve every credit for getting organised and taking action to combat the menace of speeding through the village”.

She said that Willian was “a real hot spot for drivers speeding” and found that during her visit the volunteers had “clocked dozens of drivers coming into the village at excessive speed”. 

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Hertfordshire’s police and crime commissioner, said speeding was “one of the issues residents raise with me most often because people rightly worry about the risk it poses in their communities”.

He continued: “It is encouraging to see Willian village residents taking practical action through our Community DriveSafe scheme to help slow drivers down and improve safety in the village. This is a strong example of communities and policing working together to tackle the issues that matter most locally.”

Inspector James Lant, part of the North Herts neighbourhood policing team, said it was “fantastic” to see the volunteers taking part in DriveSafe.

“Their time and dedication play a vital role in helping us raise awareness of road safety and encouraging drivers to slow down,” he said.

“Speeding significantly increases the risk of collisions and reduces the time drivers have to react, putting not only themselves but other road users and pedestrians in danger.

“Even small reductions in speed can make a big difference in preventing serious injuries.”