Put the Brakes on Speeding: Volunteers Wanted in Liskeard

Police in Liskeard are urging residents to help tackle speeding in their communities by joining the Community Speedwatch scheme. The initiative, which spans areas from East Taphouse and Doublebois to St Ive and Pensilva, as well as Widegates and Stoke Climsland near Callington, is on the lookout for new recruits.

What is Community Speedwatch?

Supported by local police, volunteers use speed detection devices to monitor key routes, aiming to educate drivers on the dangers of speeding and reduce road traffic incidents. Motorists caught speeding are reported to the police, and persistent offenders may face prosecution.

The scheme’s main goals include saving lives, preventing injuries, and improving the overall quality of life for residents. In areas like St Ive, where Speedwatch sessions have been conducted, speeds have reportedly dropped by more than 50%, demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness.

Recent Monitoring Success

On Wednesday, 6 November, neighbourhood volunteers monitored the A390 for an hour. Out of 320 vehicles checked, nine drivers were found exceeding the 30mph speed limit, with the highest speeds recorded at 48mph and 40mph.

Steve Edser, a Liskeard Police Community Support Officer who joined the session, said: “Residents tell us that speeding is still one of their biggest concerns and we know that this is certainly a major contributor to collisions on our roads.

“In St Ive speeding was very prevalent until regular Speedwatch sessions educated drivers to think about slowing down. This latest session demonstrates that while a handful of drivers were still intent on exceeding the limit, the vast majority were travelling at a safe speed.

“Our volunteers are doing an amazing job and just show how community minded people can make a real difference in making our roads safer.”

Join the Effort

New volunteers will receive full training and support from the neighbourhood policing team.

Derris Watson, co-ordinator for the Liskeard and Stoke Climsland schemes, encouraged more people to get involved. “If anyone has some spare time to support the scheme and to help raise awareness then we would love to hear from you,” Derris said.

For more information about Community Speedwatch and how to get involved, visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

This is a chance for residents to take an active role in improving safety on local roads while making a lasting impact on their communities.