Wallingford launches Community Speedwatch
The official launch of a new speed awareness group took place in Wallingford, South Oxfordshire recently. Wallingford Community Speedwatch held their event in the town’s Market Place on the morning of Friday 31 March 2023.
The launch was attended by members of Wallingford Town Council, Thames Valley Police Speedwatch Liaison Officer PC Lee Turnham, the Police & Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley Police region Mr Matthew Barber, and representatives from Wallingford Community Speedwatch.
Speaking at the event, Wallingford Community Speedwatch Co-Ordinator Lynda Bowyer said:
“Wallingford is a growing town which is facing increasing challenges on its road network. Speeding has been identified as one of those challenges, and we as a group of community volunteers wish to help bring about a positive change to that issue.
“Tackling motorists’ behaviour from a Community Speedwatch perspective is an educational one; our aim is to make drivers aware of their driving behaviour in and around Wallingford, and encourage them to slow down - helping to make the roads in our area safer for everyone.”
PC Lee Turnham for Thames Valley Police added:
“Community Speedwatch has taken off far beyond expectations; Thames Valley Police now have 238 groups around the force with over 1,400 community volunteers working in conjunction with the Police to reduce the speed in their local communities.
“Thames Valley Police along with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office are committed to making the roads a safer place, by either education or prosecution where needed.”
A Wallingford Town Council spokesperson said:
“It’s great to see how well the Speed Watch initiative has been taken up by volunteers in Wallingford. Thank you to Lynda and all those involved in setting up such a professional team.
“We know that most people use the roads in our town responsibly but if the reckless few can be deterred then maybe lives can be saved.”
Matthew Barber, Police & Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, added:
“I was delighted to be able to join Wallingford Community Speedwatch Scheme for their launch event today.
“Wallingford, in conjunction with Thames Valley Police, have launched the scheme following a number of recent speeding incidents. Members from the scheme will be monitoring a number of key speeding hotspots within Wallingford in an effort to tackle speeding in the town.
“Community Speedwatch scheme organised by my office back in 2020, in partnership with Community Speedwatch UK, the scheme provides community groups with a starter kit to help volunteers assist in the battle against speeding motorists. For any Thames Valley communities interested in joining the scheme can find out more by visiting the PCC website.
“I wish Wallingford Community Speedwatch Scheme all the best with their work in reducing speeding within the town.”
