How does Community Speedwatch work?

Community Speedwatch is a Cambridgeshire Constabulary-supported scheme that enables trained local volunteers to help tackle speeding in their community.

Volunteers carry out monitoring at locations that have been assessed as suitable and safe. Using approved speed detection equipment, they record the speed, registration number, colour and make of vehicles found to be exceeding the speed limit. The information is then passed to the Police.

What happens if you are recorded speeding?

Being recorded by Community Speedwatch is not the same as being caught by a Police speed camera, and the volunteers themselves do not issue fines or penalty points.

If your vehicle is recorded exceeding the speed limit by Community Speedwatch, the following process applies:

First letter: You will receive a letter informing you that your vehicle has been recorded by Community Speedwatch exceeding the speed limit.

Second letter: If your vehicle is recorded speeding again, you will receive a further letter highlighting that this is a repeat occurrence and reminding you of the importance of keeping within the speed limit.

Third letter: If your vehicle is recorded speeding for a third time, a Police Officer will visit you and speak to you about your driving, the dangers and consequences of speeding, and the potential consequences of being caught speeding following this intervention.

Community Speedwatch therefore isn't about volunteers issuing speeding tickets. Its purpose is to encourage drivers to slow down, identify repeated speeding behaviour and provide the Police with information that can help them target further action and enforcement.

Please remember: speed limits are there to protect everyone using our roads. A small reduction in speed can make our village roads safer and more pleasant for pedestrians, cyclists, residents and other road users.