Steve Brine met with the Itchen Stoke Speedwatch team, as he learnt more about their work and search for volunteers.
The Winchester MP joined the group, led by Parish Chair David Cook, on the village green as they monitored traffic speeds through the village.
Speedwatch coordinator, David said; “The B3047 running through Itchen Stoke carries more than 60,000 vehicle movements a month. This volume, comprising the full range of vehicle types, passes through a pinch point in the village where there are no street lights, no pavements or verges where residents can safely avoid traffic.
“There is a clear danger to people, including children, who walk to catch buses or go about their normal daily business and indeed walkers who follow the Itchen Way which follows a section of the road through the village. This is particularly evident during winter months when darkness and bad weather make driving safely so much more challenging.”
Serious concerns about speeding provided the catalyst to form, in April 2014, a Community Speedwatch (CSW) Team. This was done with the full support of local Police who vetted and trained volunteers from the village.
Since its inception, evidence suggests that the number of speeding motorists has reduced by some 60%.
The vast majority of drivers keep within the parameters of the 30 mph speed limit, some exceed it perhaps through carelessness and a small minority grossly exceed it because they don’t care. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to record speeds in the range 45 - 55 mph.
Although the efforts of the CSW Team have produced great benefits, the need for ongoing vigilance is very apparent. During lockdown, when the CSW could not operate, it was clear that speeds were increasing significantly. “
For these reasons the Itchen Stoke Speedwatch volunteers remain fully committed to maintaining a watchful presence at the heart of their community.”
Speaking afterwards, Steve said: "It was great to see this work in situ and to meet some members of the team. Very often we have a view on traffic travelling too fast in our communities but this one has done something about it and that deserves recognition.
"I know that David is looking to expand the team, and will be delighted to hear from anyone interested in helping with this important task, which I saw for myself, really acts as a deterrent."
If you want to help the team, please email via [email protected]
