Speed watch volunteers needed to slow down drivers

A few months ago Alderley Edge Parish Council purchased a Speed Indicator Device (SID) which has been deployed on roads in the village where a problem with speeding drivers has been identified.

First of all it was placed on Brook Lane and the data collected showed an average speed of 37.5 mph where the speed limit is 35mph. One vehicle was recorded travelling at 71mph, although the police feel this was probably a response vehicle, a few were travelling in the 50s and quite a number were in the 40s.

The device was then located on Macclesfield Road where the average recorded speed was 35mph.

PCSO Jim Newns "A large number of people were driving sensibly. Having the device in situ does calm people and it is a great tool for allowing us the access if there is a problem and tackling it.

"We have received lots of positive feedback, people have taken to it well."

There appears to be no particular time when speed increases during the day as the findings were consistent over a 24 hour period.

Police are now looking for volunteers to help combat speeding in the village.

PCSO Jim Newns said "I am in the process of asking local residents in Alderley Edge to consider setting up a Community Speed Watch scheme off the back of findings.

"Community Speed Watch schemes do not currently exist in Alderley Edge and they are a useful way of educating speeding motorists.

"Volunteers will be trained by the police to use a non endorsable speed gun and record specific data. I need to recruit approximately 6 people who would be willing to give some of their time".

Anyone caught speeding by one of the volunteers will then be sent a letter from the police.

If you are interested in volunteering you can contact PCSO Newns on 07948522130. Once he has enough committed volunteers he will arrange some police training.

The SID will be moved around the village to other areas that have been identified as problematic, such as Wilmslow Road, Heyes lane, Mottram Road, Congleton Road and Ryleys Lane.

There will also be endorsable speed guns in operation to combat speeding, which have recently been used on both Hough Lane and the Alderley Edge bypass.

Tags:: Jim Newns, Speeding

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Philip Warne

Tuesday 29^th May 2012 at 10:27 pm

I would suggest that London Road is the most important place to site the equipment .. Surely we have not forgotten the fatalities in recent years. The combination of the high volume of vehicular traffic together with the shoppers crossing makes it the most dangerous road in the Village..

Kate Bennett

Wednesday 30^th May 2012 at 11:30 pm

It worries me that some drivers see these SIDs as a challenge to record a high speed.

Kriss Coombes

Sunday 17^th June 2012 at 10:56 am

When speaking to our hard working PCSO Jim Newns yesterday I was sorry to hear that, despite all the complaining from some local residents, not one person had vounteerd to help with the Community Speed Watch Scheme. It would only involve 'working ' a couple of hours a month, so I have put my name on the list and hope that some good people out there will join in.

Jon Williams

Sunday 17^th June 2012 at 1:26 pm

I see we have a SID near the Merlin, not in the best position though, too many trees, needs to be more open.