Motorists in Southwell will have seen Speedwatch patrols recently. This year the local group, police, and Newark & Sherwood District Council safety officers are all stepping up their speed control presence.
Speedwatch operates (approved by Notts Police, Bassetlaw, Newark & Sherwood Community Safety Partnership and Southwell Town Council) with a single aim: to remind all road users that the 30-mph speed limit – 20-mph in the vicinity of schools around opening and closing times – is set for a very good reason … For every mile an hour over 30 the chances of having an accident, and causing serious injury or worse, rise exponentially.
More than 10% of vehicles significantly exceed the speed limit at some point on their journeys through town. More than 30% of those travel over 36 mph and some are approaching 50 mph. Shockingly, even when children are walking to and from school.
These statistics derive from patrol recordings and reflect some calming influence of Speedwatch activity. They are likely to be worse, as reported anecdotally. The more drivers persuaded to stick to speed limits, the safer we will all be. The bonus in busy, built-up areas like ours is that reduced use of accelerator and brake will save fuel and offset recent price rises at the pumps.
On behalf of the Southwell Speedwatch team, thank you for your consideration and encouragement. If you would like to help us in any way, particularly with some of our patrolling, please contact the Town Council Office.
Southwell Speedwatch Team