Devon volunteer groups to issue motoring fines

Speed cops to be embedded with them

Community groups that report speeding motorists are to be given powers to fine people in future, Devon and Cornwall Police say, as they plan to put speed cops in with the groups.

Until now community speed watch teams, made up of volunteers, have not been allowed to issue fixed penalty notices. They tell police and drivers then receive a warning letter.

But now the alliance roads policing team in Devon and Cornwall is planning to change that by embedding qualified speed detection officers into the groups, giving the groups greater power to fine and report any law-breaking drivers.

It will allow the groups to issue on-the-spot fines and report drivers who are caught breaking the law.

Supt Adrian Leisk, Alliance strategic lead for roads policing, said: “We know young drivers are at greater risk of being involved in serious collisions, the impact of which can be devastating for them, their families and loved ones.

“While driver education is vital to improving the safety of young road users, enforcement has also proven to be a very effective deterrent.

“Community Speed Watch teams across Devon and Cornwall assist us heavily in highlighting issues and drivers of concern.  We intend to significantly increase the number of active teams in the region, as well as the level of support they receive, over the next 12 months.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is the national lead for road safety with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) and chairs the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership. She said: “Sadly young drivers are over-represented in fatal and serious collisions which is why Vision Zero South West considers them a priority when it comes to vulnerable road users.

“We all know how exciting it is when you first pass your driving test and gain all that extra freedom, particularly in a part of the country like the South West.

“Education is vital with young drivers.  Making sure they know the potential risks of things like passenger distraction, night driving or using mobile phones while driving is so important and will ultimately ensure our roads are safer in the future.

“Our vision is to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on Devon and Cornwall’s roads to zero by 2040, and to cut the numbers to 50% by 2030.  We can only do this by engaging young people.”

Max Chantrey is a road safety officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, who are the Young Drivers’ theme lead for Vision Zero South West.

He said: “We know young drivers between the ages of 17-24 are more likely to have a collision on our roads due to their driving inexperience and risky behaviours. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is working closely with young people to reduce the high number of fatal road traffic collisions. 

“Through our education events and road safety campaigns we aim to change attitudes and behaviours - reminding young drivers to reduce their speed and pay attention and also ensure young passengers and know how to speak up if they don’t feel safe.”