Wiltshire’s police chief constable Pat Geenty joined Community Speed Watch volunteers in Pewsey yesterday (Tuesday) in a massive county-wide crackdown against speeding drivers.
In all, 50 police officers and more than 170 volunteers conducted roadside speed checks at 40 locations across Wiltshire as part of Operation Harness.
As a result of the operation, 208 vehicles were identified as speeding, and 147 vehicles were stopped with 132 drivers given warnings about their speed.
Other results included:
- Eight drivers were given warnings for having defective lights on their vehicles
- One driver had a road side alcohol breath test, with negative result
- One driver received a warning for not wearing a seatbelt
- One driver received a warning for have a defective number plate
- Four drivers had no further action after being stopped
- 70 letters from Community Speed Watch have been sent out
The chief constable said: “Today’s day of action highlights the key partnership working between CSW and Wiltshire Police.
“Many reactions to today’s visibility out on the roads have been positive with drivers listening to the advice given by our officers and many people giving us a wave as they drive by. I think today has definitely made drivers think twice about their speed.”
Speeding is one of the ‘fatal four’ factors that can cause road traffic collisions. The others are drink/drugs, driving while on a mobile phone and not wearing seat belts.”
Police and crime commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson, joined volunteers in Wroughton. He said: “Community Speed Watch is about local volunteers driving down speed and driving up safety. They are getting involved with local policing matters and showing that speeding will not be tolerated in their area.
“The teams I met today were enthusiastic and dedicated to their watch scheme and it was great to see them work collaboratively with Wiltshire Police out on the roads.”
A virtuoso recital at St Peter’s Church – with a musical gallery full of paintings
