Hundreds of motorists caught speeding

Jul 9 2009 By Polly Manser, Buckinghamshire Advertiser

AROUND a quarter of vehicles travelling through Beaconsfield are speeding, new figures suggest.

A survey of the speed of 2,214 vehicles in residential streets during a seven-day period last month indicated that 24 per cent were travelling too fast, with this figure rising to 38 per cent at certain times of day.

The work was carried out by the Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG), which is made up of volunteers and police, in an attempt to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, which has been identified as a big concern of residents.

The maximum speed recorded in a 30mph zone was 50mph and one vehicle was recorded speeding three times on the same day.

Teams of volunteers using speed indication devices monitored roads identified as hot spots - Burkes Road, Gregories Road, Wattleton Road, Holtspur Top Lane and Sandleswood End - and police supported them with speed enforcement cameras.

As the week progressed average speeds declined, suggesting that motorists were heeding the message that speeding is anti-social and offenders will be prosecuted. Seventy warning letters are being posted out and 12 penalty tickets issued.

Peter Knee, of the NAG, said: "Speeding remains a significant problem in Beaconsfield and the evidence we obtained confirms the perception that too many drivers ignore speed limits. For this reason the anti-speeding initiative will continue in the form of close collaboration between the police and the NAG volunteers. However to make the programme more effective, we would welcome more volunteers."

Call Marylou Rivett on 01494 681 604.