Stopping speeding motorists in Sutton Bridge
It is hoped that motorists breaking the speed limit in Sutton Bridge will think twice as a volunteer group prepares to step in.
The Community Speed Watch (CSW) team will soon begin to patrol areas of concern after a new team co-ordinator was co-opted during Tuesday’s meeting of Sutton Bridge Parish Council.
Craig Jackson, who lives in the village, is dedicated to bringing about change for the community.
He said: “Some of the roads in Sutton Bridge have literally become racetracks. We have got to do something to get a grip of it.
“Unfortunately, the previous co-ordinator had never managed to get the team going due to ill health, so when the clerk, Robert Smith, asked if I’d like to be involved I agreed.”
The CSW team will patrol different areas of the village at different times, with a view to curtailing speeding motorists, some of whom, Craig says, have been seen hitting speeds of up to 70mph on Bridge Road.
Vehicles found to be exceeding the speed limit by CSW are referred to the police with the aim of educating drivers to reduce their speeds.
Prosecution can follow in cases where education is blatantly ignored.
He said: “The speed some of these vehicles get up to is phenomenal - we’re not talking 32mph, we are talking 40, 50 even 70mph and I just think who would want to end up in court, looking at a family who’ve lost a child due to being hit by a speeding car? Who would want that on their conscience?
“Unfortunately, it does appear to be younger motorists who are going like the clappers, although I have seen middle aged ladies and older men in Land Rovers doing the same at times.”
Craig has recruited some volunteers to join the team, but says that the more who can help out the better.
“There will be people out there who have seen the same as me and want to make a real difference.
“It would be great to get as many people as possible to work together to tackle this problem which, I believe, is only getting worse.”
If you would like to volunteer as part of the CSW team, email: clerk@suttonbridgeparishcouncil.co.uk
