Crime Solicitors

Gateshead Council has enlisted the general public to work with the police and local authority to set up a Community Speed Watch scheme in the area.

The Community Speed Watch Scheme came about after residents in Barlow (between Blaydon and High Spen) approached their ward councillors with concerns about speeding.

Gateshead Council officers then worked with the police to set up the Community Speed Watch scheme in the area.

The Community Speed Watch scheme allows local people to get involved and help with tackling speeding in their community.

Volunteers are trained to monitor driving speeds in an area that’s been identified as a problem by local people.

Northumbria Police train the volunteers on how to operate the equipment and make sure the relevant security checks are in place – they also provide high visibility clothing and other equipment, so that volunteers are safe.

Ward Councillor for Winlaton and High Spen, Marilyn Charlton, said:

“This is a fantastic example of Gateshead residents working with the police and the council to take action on an issue that they are very concerned about.

“It's a way for members of the community to do their bit for their local area and work with us to keep our roads safe.

“We have supported this by using ward funding and also funding Gateshead Council’s Community Safety Partnership to purchase a further speed gun for the volunteers.”

Gateshead Neighbourhood Inspector Michael Robson added:

“Community Speed Watch is a fantastic way for members of the public to join us and work with us to keep our communities safe.

“We provide training, support and assistance to the volunteers, who work with us and from other schemes across the force area we know how much of a difference it can make.”

Community Volunteer, Trevor Smallwood, said:

“I decided to volunteer because the police can’t be everywhere at once and new, more readily available technology allows volunteers like myself to be able to capture evidence of offending and pass it to the police.

“We work in pairs – I work alongside another volunteer, Geoff Palmer - and we target roads where there have been reports of speeding and we know are hotspots.

“While we can’t take any enforcement action, the evidence we capture is given directly to the police so they can follow-up the offence.

“People have stopped me to ask what I’m doing and the feedback has been really positive.

“I’d encourage anyone with concerns about speeding in their community to speak out, to raise it with their local councillor or Police Neighbourhood Manager.”

If drivers are recorded as speeding, the offence is followed up by the police –
the offender will receive a letter initially, but could lead to potential enforcement for more serious transgressions.

Duncan Lewis Motoring Solicitors

Duncan Lewis motoring solicitors can advise at any stage of a motoring offence, including speeding offences, careless or dangerous driving, DUI, vehicle maintenance offences, driving uninsured or without a licence.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and a Duncan Lewis solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on motoring offences, call Duncan Lewis motoring solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.