Community Speed Watch volunteers in Chippenham?

Wiltshire Council recently held an event to recognise time given by volunteers who help to reduce speeding in their towns and villages.

Community Speed Watch groups from across Wiltshire received a certificate  and thanks for helping make the county’s roads safer. The scheme was launched in 2009 as a pilot with three groups - now there are 42.

Cabinet member for highways, Cllr Dick Tonge, said: “Community Speed Watch has been a fantastic success story. It has demonstrated the dedication local people have to helping address issues in their own communities.

Volunteers monitor these areas and record motorists' speed They wear yellow high visibility jackets which acts as a deterrent. However, persistent offenders that are identified as a result of the monitoring are sent warning letters.

And if drivers continue to flout the speed limit police can step in and give fixed penalty notices, resulting in points on licences and fines.

Since March 2010 and until April 15 2011 748 speed watch checks took place, 4,807 motorists have received warning letters and a further nine have received penalty notices. In total, 154,059 cars passed through community speed watch checks during that time.