200th Devon and Cornwall Community Speedwatch set up in Dolton

Volunteers will be able to record drivers' speeds, and pass on the details of those exceeding the limit to the police

Author: Cameron HallPublished 3rd Sep 2023
Last updated 3rd Sep 2023

Volunteers in Dolton have set up Devon and Cornwall's 200th Community Speedwatch group.

Residents in the village near Winkleigh in Devon have set up the group to allow them to monitor driver's speeds on roads through it, including the B3217.

They'd long hoped to establish a 20mph limit through the village, fearing drivers were travelling too fast through their rural community.

Colin Jones, Dolton's Community Speedwatch coordinator, has noticed people have been driving slower since the group was set up.

"We plan to pop up in different locations in different times so people won't really know when we're here," he said.

He hopes "that this will guide them drivers into driving slower."

Community Speedwatch schemes operate nationally, and those registered can record vehicles' speeds and send their details to local police forces.

Speeding vehicles' registered keepers would then be contacted through an initial letter warning of them of the risks and consequences of driving faster than the limit.

Repeat offenders could then receive police visits, and potentially be prosecuted.

Adrian Leisk, the Head of Road Safety at Devon and Cornwall Police and chair of the Vision Zero South West enforcement group, adds that the scheme provides Dolton's residents with "a means of monitoring speeds in your community."

He said data passed on to Devon and Cornwall Police can allow them to begin enforcement procedures.

"By joining a Community Speedwatch scheme, you are helping to keep the roads in your community safer."