Speedwatch group to curb speeds

The newly formed Audlem Speedwatch group has been given tips on nabbing high-speed drivers through the village by Crewe traffic police.

The six-strong group of volunteers attended a briefing by Cheshire Police Traffic Management Officer Tony Hall at Crewe Police Station last Saturday where they tested out the speed gun they will use to trap motorists driving at more than 30mph through Audlem.

Members of the group will be out in force later this year at key troublespots in a bid to curb high-speed drivers. They have already identified locations where they hope to carry out speed checks and traffic control officers will be checking these out soon to ensure they meet health and safety regulations.

A spokesman for the group said their main purpose is to act as a deterrent to high speed drivers who consistently flout the law.

He added: "Community Speedwatch is designed to support the police by making us all aware of the dangers of travelling too quickly in a village area. Statistics show that one out of 10 children die when hit by a car doing 30mph. That figure rises to five in 10 at 35mph and to nine out of 10 at 40mph. That is one reason why we think village speed limits should be observed at all times."

The Speedwatch volunteers will operate in partnership with the Cheshire Police Area Strategic Road Safety Partnership. They will work in pairs and wear high visibility jackets while using the speed gun.

The volunteers will also monitor general traffic speeds through the village and figures collected may provide statistical evidence to support any proposed traffic calming measures that may be considered in the future.

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