Unmarked road safety enforcement vans have been deployed by Avon and Somerset Police across the county in a bid to catch dangerous drivers.
This initiative follows extensive evidence gathered from community reports, Community Speedwatch schemes and collision data, highlighting areas where excessive speed is a recurring problem.
The aim is to deter speeding and prevent serious collisions by encouraging consistent safe driving behaviours.
In addition to detecting speeding offences, the new vans are equipped with 360-degree cameras and long-range detection technology capable of identifying other road traffic offences, including failure to wear a seatbelt and using a handheld device while driving. The vans also feature infrared capabilities for night-time enforcement and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology. This means that offences can be detected day or night.
Frome Town Council’s lead councillor for road safety, Cllr Anita Collier, said, “I welcome the news that Avon and Somerset police have finally released their new fleet of detector vans onto our roads.
“They will be responsible for identifying motorists who drive too fast, don’t wear seat belts, and use their mobile phones while driving. All the new vans are able to operate around the clock, and will have a 360° view of the road at all times. Two will be unmarked.”
Residents and local councillors in Frome have been campaigning for more to be done to improve the safety of local roads, particularly following a string of fatal incidents which have happened on the A361 Frome bypass.
Cllr Collier said, “Together with Somerset Council’s promise to improve the markings and sight lines along the A361 and separate new fixed cameras to detect mobile phone and seat belt usage (coming soon), this latest addition to Avon & Somerset’s accident prevention strategy will contribute to making our roads much safer to use.”
“If you suspect anyone of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you can contact Crimestoppers, completely anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or use this link to find out more Crimestoppers.uk.org
“If you live on a street that experiences drivers going too fast, please remember that Community Speed Watch is always happy to hear from volunteers to operate in their area.
“All the data collected is monitored by police and often helps to support new initiatives to improve road safety. I would encourage residents to consider this opportunity. For more information, please contact ashleyreay@ymail.com.”
