The Community Speed Watch Scheme that allows Rutland residents to report speeding in their communities has drawn to a close for 2023, with Leicestershire Police issuing more than 753 letters of caution due to the programme. 

This effective and successful initiative,co-ordinated by Rutland County Councilprovides local volunteers with the training and equipment they need to monitor traffic and record details of vehicles that are driven above local speed limits.

Jonathan Clarkson, spokesperson for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership said, "Since the first lockdown in 2020 we began to see a rise in speeding offences, and this has increased as traffic volumes returned to pre-pandemic levels.

"The Road Safety Unit at Leicestershire Police is constantly dealing with very high volumes of speeding offences, however, we are committed to reacting to local community concerns and keeping our roads safe for everyone. The dedication of our volunteers to help deliver community speed watch is integral in helping us address issues of excessive speeding which blights our towns and villages."

Have you noticed speeding across Rutland? Image credit: Nub News.

With support from the police, warning letters are sent to registered keepers, advising them of their speed violation and reminding them of why it is a community concern, along with advice to help change their driving behaviours.  

This latest set of Community Speed Watch ran across South Luffenham, Caldecott, Edith Weston, Uppingham and Ashwell. 

Councillor Christine Wise, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport, and the Environment, said: "Road safety is a major priority for both Rutland County Council and Leicestershire Police, and is a matter of concern for local residents. Community Speed Watch schemes help us to target and prevent speeding and careless driving, making Rutland a safer place for all road users.

"We are very proud of our Parish volunteers and partners who have taken part in this project and we would like to praise them for what has been another successful year. It shows that our communities can play a leading role in tackling serious issues and supporting local services to make Rutland a safer place to live."

Rutland's Community Speed Watch Scheme is a joint initiative between local communities and the following partner organisations:

• Leicestershire Police
• Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Road Safety Partnership
• Rutland County Council 

Other Rutland communities who would like to know more or be considered for future schemes can contact the Council's transport team by emailing: [email protected].