Frequently asked questions

Below is a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions regarding the Community Speed Watch scheme. If you have any further questions not answered here, please contact the scheme co-ordinator.

  • Can a scheme operate outside of Leicestershire County Council?

    No and yes! We only operate in this area, however, there are many similar initiatives running in other parts of the country. If you fall outside of our area, then try contacting your local Police or the authority in charge of highways in your area.

  • What’s the first thing to do to get a scheme started?

    Contact the Community Speed Watch coordinator using the contact form (preferred method) or alternatively by telephone on 0116 3057233.

  • Can the scheme be run in a National Speed Limit area?

    No, the scheme can only be run in 30mph and 40mph limits.

  • What does it cost?

    Nothing, the only thing you will be asked to provide is somewhere local for the volunteers to be trained.

  • What is provided?

    The speed measuring equipment, training, the jackets, clipboards, paperwork, support from the County Coordinator.

  • What type of equipment is used?

    Generally, either handheld radar or handheld laser speed detection equipment.

  • Is it difficult to use?

    The Hand Held Radar is the easiest to train and use, in very simple terms it is a point and click device.

  • How often is the equipment calibrated?

    The handheld radar or handheld laser equipment is calibrated annually and checked by the volunteers each time they set up.

  • What training is involved?

    There will be a two hour training mandatory session which all volunteers must attend.

  • Is it effective?

    The volunteers will see the positive effect they have for themselves, but it is not a long term solution in itself.

  • How can I get the results?

    The results obtained by the volunteers are fed back to the group/Parish by the Police and the volunteers will have access to them.

  • Does the County Council monitor the traffic in any other way?

    Yes, the County Council will do covert monitoring for new sites, or if the data is over three years old.

  • Do the volunteers go out on their own?

    No, they must always go out in a group of between two to four. We do not want anybody going out on their own to conduct checks.

  • Do the volunteers have any problems with drivers?

    It is unusual to have any major problems with the drivers passing through the checks and there are procedures to follow should this happen. What the volunteers will get from time to time is shouted comments and some gestures from the drivers. Unless this is a prolonged tirade of abuse the volunteers are asked to ignore any comments like this and not to respond in kind!

  • How do the police support the scheme?

    The Police assist by supporting the volunteers should they have any problems from abusive motorists. Thankfully the Police involvement for these occasions is remarkably low – their interventions can be counted on one hand. They also deal with the letters sent out to the offenders, see next question.

  • What do the Police do with the vehicle details?

    The Police are sent the details of the offending vehicles which are checked on their National Computer to ensure as far as possible that the correct vehicle details have been obtained. They will then send a letter that explains what has happened and the potential consequences of the driver’s actions (please click here to see an example). If the offender has already been contacted, a second letter can also be sent.

  • Do I get to find out who the drivers are?

    No, the only organisation that knows who the driver’s are is the Police, they are not passed back to the County Council or the volunteers.

  • How long is the kit available for?

    Generally 2 weeks.

  • What is the local Coordinator’s role?

    Their main role is to produce a rota for the volunteers so that they know where they are to set up and when, a selection of templates will be offered to help with this. They also need to send their collected data to the Police on a daily basis.

  • Is there a complaints procedure?

    Any initial complaints may be dealt with by the Police Traffic Management Department. If they are unable to resolve the matter it will be passed to the County Council Coordinator who will attempt to resolve the complaint.