PCC backs launch of Special Constabulary speeding team

Members of the Special Constabulary will be teaming up with volunteers to tackle speeding drivers in and around Great Yarmouth thanks to funding from the PCC.

Launched on Sunday 15 January, the Special Constabulary Speeding Team will see officers carry out roadside checks, complementing those carried out by Community Speed Watch (CSW) teams.

The team will focus their efforts on areas where speeding is raised as a concern and those not covered by CSW.

The Special Constabulary Speeding Team is one of a number of community policing projects being supported through Police and Crime Commissioner Lorne Green’s Early Intervention Fund.  The fund is open to policing teams across the county to help them work with communities to tackle local crime, disorder and community safety issues.

Lorne Green, who attended the launch of a similar scheme by Specials in Poringland last month, said: "I am delighted to continue to support such a project and to see it embraced by police, volunteers and the wider community. It was fantastic to witness first-hand the work of the team in Poringland and is great to see such an initiative being extended across the Great Yarmouth area.

"Speeding is one of the fatal four, as well as drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone and this is a prime example of how, together, we are advancing the fight for improved road safety in Norfolk.

"The purpose of Speed Watch and the Special Constabulary Speeding Team is not to spoil our pleasure in responsible driving, but to protect us from unsafe driving. This is community spirit at its best – cooperation between Community Speed Watch volunteers and our police to keep our roads safe.”

PC Hannah Gardiner, Great Yarmouth Engagement Officer, said: "Speeding is an issue often raised as a concern by local residents and this team will be able to complement checks already carried out by police and members of CSW.

"The team will carry out a leaflet drop in the immediate vicinity of where speed checks take place, updating local residents on the results and action we have taken."

Specials Manager Sue Goode said: "This is a great example of how our committed volunteers get to experience the world of policing while helping to support local communities and organisations such as Community Speed Watch. It's pleasing to see the specials getting involved with local communities and help to address issues of concern."

If you are interested in setting up or joining an existing Community Speed Watch group, please contact Great Yarmouth Engagement Officer PC Hannah Gardiner on 101.