Rural Speeding Concerns Lead to Community Action in Humberside

Speeding continues to be the number one complaint from Parish Councils in rural areas, prompting Humberside Police to prioritise speed enforcement in villages. In response, the force is expanding its Community Speed Watch programme to empower residents and reduce speeding.

The initiative encourages local volunteers to work alongside police by monitoring traffic speeds and reporting offenders. Volunteers, aged between 18 and 80, must form teams of at least six people, with each member committing a minimum of two hours per month. A trained group of three is required for each monitoring session. Police provide a free, one-hour training session, and officers do not need to be present during checks.

Equipment can be borrowed from Humberside Police or purchased directly. Teams record vehicle speeds and submit data to police, who then issue warning letters using national databases.

Participating councils must have £10 million in public liability cover, and all monitored sites require a risk assessment and clear visibility. Only 30mph and 40mph single carriageways with suitable footpaths or hardstanding can be used.

Additional support is available through the Speed Indicator Device (SID) Grant Scheme, funded by the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner. With a £25,000 pilot budget running until March 2025, the grant covers up to 50% of costs for speed detection devices and pole installations. Applications require prior approval from the local authority and can be submitted via pccfunding@humberside.pnn.police.uk.

For further information and resources, Parish Councils can visit the here for more information on the project .

Community-led efforts are already underway in villages like Middleton on the Wolds, where residents are taking charge of road safety with support from local officers.

To get involved or to request assistance, councils are encouraged to contact the scheme coordinator via email at CSW.admin@humberside.police.uk.