Speed watch volunteers needed

The Transport Advisory Group (TAG) of Sandgate Parish Council is looking for local volunteers to help with the speed watch campaign. Sandgate Parish Council now has an agreement to use the speed watch camera bought by Folkestone Town Council. Various members of the council and local residents received training in its use over the summer and are now ready to put it into practice, but more helpers are needed.

The camera will be in Sandgate during the weeks listed below. Two to three volunteers are needed for an hour or two at different times and on different days. A short training session, generally led by our PCSO Mark Wilson, will be given to new volunteers.

If you are interested in helping out or want more information, please contact Cllr Season Prater on 01303 210300 or email season@prater.org.uk.

Sandgate Speed Watch

Weeks commencing 20th September, 11th October, 1st November, 22nd November, 13th December

More information on the Speed Watch Campaign

Speed Watch is a scheme that gives parish councils around the county a chance to record the speed of vehicles travelling through their area.

A speed indication device is set up to measure how fast vehicles are moving. This is a sign that shows the driver their speed - but only if the vehicle is over the speed limit. The registration numbers of vehicles found to be speeding are then logged.

If a driver is found to be speeding twice within a twelve-month period, the registered owner receives a warning letter from the police. If the same vehicle is caught three times, there is a further warning, and possibly follow-up action by police officers.

The scheme has two aims:

• to educate drivers about the consequences of speeding, and to make them more aware of their own driving habits
• to allow residents to help improve road safety in villages where speeding is a constant problem.

The Speed Watch scheme is run by Kent Police in partnership with Kent County Council and Medway Council.