Community Roadwatch in Hackney sees residents make streets safer
A new scheme has launched in Hackney to help local residents reduce speeding on residential streets. Community Roadwatch gives residents the opportunity to work with local police teams, and use speed detection equipment to deter speeding on their roads.
A group of residents were joined by Council’s road safety officers, Community Safety Officers and the Police to check the speed of cars driving past Queensbridge School in Haggerston. Within five minutes, a local resident recorded a car speeding.
David Dode, from Stoke Newington, said:
“I am volunteering today to help make the roads safer. I am a driver myself and I would say to other drivers, please read the road signs and make sure you go at 20mph. You must drive carefully, especially near schools.”
Research has shown that speed is often a contributory factor in road collisions. Community Roadwatch is designed to support wider police activity, working with local communities to make people aware of the dangers of travelling too fast on London’s roads.
Police Sergeant Lee Bradley, who was on hand to show residents how to use the speed-detection-guns, said:
“We are getting the people of Hackney to help us make their roads safer, we hope the scheme will make more residents aware of road safety.”
Motorists recorded breaking the speed limit will be issued with a warning letter, although those travelling at speeds that well exceed the limit could face a home visit from the police. This information will help the local police teams and Transport for London assess future traffic and policing strategies in Hackney.
Community Roadwatch is looking for volunteers to join the initiative and work with the Safer Transport Police Team in Hackney.
Anyone who would like to take part in Community Roadwatch, or suggest a residential area where there are concerns around speeding, should contact CommunityRoadwatch@tfl.gov.uk or visit www.tfl.gov.uk/CommunityRoadwatch.