Oakham's application for Community Speed Watch fails

A scheme designed to help reduce speeding and road accidents is facing a setback.

Oakham Town Council has been unsuccessful in its initial application for Community Speed Watch 2023.

The letter explaining the decision came from Julia Potkins, Road Safety Officer at Rutland County Council and was presented to members of the town council at their January meeting.

Ms Potkins said: “I am writing to advise you that further to your application for Community Speed Watch 2023 you have not been successful in the initial selection. However, I would like you to consider being first reserve should any of the parishes chosen not be able to fulfil their commitment to the scheme in 2023.

“Would you please be able to appoint a provisional lead and bear in mind that the ideal number of scheme volunteers, including the lead, is 12.

"Should you be called upon as reserve scheme then things would happen quite quickly so making provisional plans would enable you to be more prepared for the opportunity.”

Community Speed Watch is an educational scheme to help people reduce speeding traffic though their community.

The scheme enables volunteers to work within their community to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and to help control the problem locally, incorporating poster campaigns and a pledge system linked to direct action using speed detection equipment all under the supervision of the County Council.

The use of the radar devices will not lead to prosecution – drivers will get a letter from the police instead – but will help to underline the community’s commitment to reducing speed.