Avon and Somerset Police, in conjunction with the speed enforcement unit and community speed watch teams, carried out a day of action on Friday 20th January, with much of the action centred on Frome and the local villages.
The objective of the day was to check the speeds of vehicles at notorious accident black spots and those roads with persistent high speeds.
Inspector Mark Nicholson of Avon and Somerset Police said, “Even on the morning of the operation local officers spent two hours dealing with a road collision in the town.
“Road traffic matters not only create a big demand on the constabulary but being involved in one can be a life-changing experience for those involved.
“Other local officers were engaged in crime reduction activity to prevent people and premises being a victim of crime, and a particular emphasis was paid to commercial premises.”
The day was also supported by the Special Constabulary.
The results of the operation, which Inspector Nicholson said was a huge success, saw many motorists being engaged with by either education or enforcement, in addition to over a dozen commercial premises being visited, some of which have been a previous victims of crime.
Ashley Reay from Mendip Community Speedwatch said, “It was disappointing that many motorists were reported for speeding offences and prosecution by 8.30am when the temperature was minus 6 degrees and the roads icy and slippery. I witnessed speeds of up to 50mph in a 30mph zone.”
Dozens of community Speedwatch teams checked vehicle speeds on the day and educational letters are being sent out to motorists warning of the dangers of speeding, in addition to many others who will be prosecuted for excess speed.
