Borough speed gun roll out aims to make Redditch roads safer - The Redditch Standard

Borough speed gun roll out aims to make Redditch roads safer

Redditch Editorial 13th Jun, 2021   0

A COMMUNITY SpeedWatch programme is being rolled out across Redditch in a bid to get drivers to slow down on local roads.

Led by Councillor Lucy Harrison (Con, Batchley and Brockhill) whose brother Peter was killed by a hit and run driver in 2014, it aims to empower residents to put the brakes on rogue drivers.

Initially starting in three areas of the town, Coun Harrison is appealing for volunteers to come forward and be trained by West Mercia Police on using the laser speed gun and the processes involved.

“It’s great that we’re bringing this to Redditch,” said Coun Harrison.




“Obviously I have huge personal interest because of my brother, but also when I was canvassing for the elections time and time again speeding was coming up as a Number 1 issue.”

The programme will start in three areas of concern, Batchley Road, Lily Green Lane, and Ten Acres Lane in Church Hill with the intention of including more areas as more volunteers come forward to be trained up.


“It’s going to start out small but I have a lot of roads lined up for the police to go out and take a look at to see if they are suitable,” said Coun Harrison.

“Some are simply too fast and the officers will deal with them themselves but others Community SpeedWatch can take on and can have a really valuable presence.”

She added that some people feared a backlash from motorists which was why councillors like herself were stepping forward and taking the lead to get the initiative going.

On the police side, Redditch officer PC Lloyd Stone will be co-ordinating the programme and if successful he will also oversee its introduction in Bromsgrove.

“20 to 30 years ago people would think it was okay to have one more over the drink limit and still drive home,” said Coun Harrison.

“Nowadays, apart from a few rogue elements, that’s changed, but we haven’t seen the same in speeding, where perfectly normal law abiding citizens think it’s still okay to speed.”

For more information on joining the Community SpeedWatch programme, email Councillor Harrison at [email protected].

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