Community Speedwatch operation checks dozens of vehicles in West Bromwich

A day of action by Community Speedwatch members from West Midlands Police checked more than 50 vehicles during an operation to clamp down on speeding motorists in West Bromwich.

Officers from the West Bromwich Neighbourhood Team joined Community Speedwatch members on Bromford Road to monitor the speed of vehicles after concerns were raised by the public.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, also joined the team for the operation after securing funding for 16 new speed guns.

The group used one of the new devices to check the speed of more than 50 vehicles and those who were found breaking the speed limit will be issued with a warning letter in the coming days.

Sargent Paul Bishop from West Bromwich Neighbourhood team said: “We’ve been out today in West Bromwich conducting speed checks and you can clearly see drivers taking notice of the new devices.

“Tackling dangerous driving and speeding is all about changing the attitudes of road users.

“The speed devices will certainly help that and I look forward to working with our StreetWatch groups in the weeks and months to come as well aim to achieve the same goal: to keep our roads safe.”

PCC Simon Foster said: “It’s been pleasing to be here in West Bromwich with StreetWatch volunteers and officers to see the benefit of the investment I have made. The purpose of this operation was to remind drivers to slow down and to make our roads safer for all.

“The devices I have invested in give power to the people, because members of the public can use them in partnership with local policing teams, to conduct speedwatch operations at notorious locations within their communities.

“Road safety will remain at the top of my agenda as Police and Crime Commissioner. I am determined to ensure that West Midlands Police and I play our part to achieve Vision Zero here in the West Midlands – but we need the help and support of all our other partners and every road user to achieve it.”

Community Speedwatch is a national initiative where members of local communities, with the support and supervision of police officers, record details of speeding vehicles using approved detection devices.