Can Community Speed Watch volunteers give speeding tickets?

Community Speed Watch groups around the country are made up of local residents helping to keep the UK's roads safe from reckless drivers driving at excessive speeds in residential areas. Here motoring journalist and expert Pete Barden looks at what drivers can expect if they are reported for breaking the speed limit on roads monitored by these local groups.

What is the Community Speed Watch project for?

The scheme enables volunteers to monitor vehicles passing through residential areas without the need for police teams or fixed cameras.

How do volunteers check the speed of drivers?

Volunteers will use handheld equipment that shows how fast a driver is travelling along a stretch of road being monitored.

When are a driver's details recorded?

When a driver is travelling at a set amount above the speed limit - typically around 10% - the vehicle's registration number, make, model and colour will be recorded by a member of the team.

What happens when a driver is caught speeding?

A spreadsheet of the 'offending' vehicles' details is sent to the local police force, who are likely to also add them all to a national database.

Will police issue speeding tickets to drivers caught by Speedwatch teams?

These schemes are largely centred around education, which means no penalty tickets will be issued. Additionally, most schemes use equipment that is not of the specification to meet legal requirements, so issuing a ticket would not be possible by law.

What is the scheme for if tickets can't be issued?

While penalties can't be issued by Community Speed Watch members, police will act if members of the group repeatedly report a vehicle. Each force is different, but it is likely that cops will act after two reports of a vehicle exceeding speed limits. If this happens, the vehicle owner will be sent an official letter reminding them of the law. If three letters are required, the police will carry out further investigations.

What if a driver is recorded driving excessively fast?

Most of the scheme's activity will take place in residential areas, typically with limits of 30-40mph, so driving at excessive rates is a serious offence. If a driver is reported for such an 'offence' the local police force will likely act with a 'strongly-worded' letter. Prosecution will not be possible solely from the report from local groups.

Will recklessly fast drivers escape punishment?

Many police forces claim they will 'target' repeat offenders for 'enforcement'.

Make sure you're up to date with the new speeding  fines that came into force April 2017

Where and when can the scheme operate?

The members must operate in a location that has been approved by the police. They must also only operate during daylight hours.

How can I start a group or join an existing one?

If you are worried about drivers putting your community in danger, you can find out more information about how to start your own official group, or join and existing one by heading to the scheme's website here.