MENDIP Community Speed Watch have provided the latest update of speeding in Frome
The group report, “Failure by the motorist to reduce speeding in and around the Frome area has resulted in new actions by the Speed Enforcement Unit as they have not only stepped-up roadside checks, but have new equipment to assist their efforts. The speed enforcement unit has in the past visited the Frome area around once a month but now it is at least weekly and, in some weeks, most days.”
Ashley Reay from Mendip CSW said, “To stand at the roadside observing the police checking the speeds of traffic would sometimes be funny if it were not serious, as motorists are seeing the roadside checks and many just simply speed up or fail to reduce their speed resulting in an obvious prosecution.
“New hand-held equipment will be in use from 1st July where the police will not need a vehicle to sit in all the time but will merely be able to stand at the roadside like CSW teams currently do. If that was not bad enough for motorists who continue to flout the law, then the police are now also checking for illegal number plates, seat belts, illegal acts of driving, and other such transgressions. No one will be stopped but may well be prosecuted as a result of police observations.”
“The myth still persists”, says Ashley, “that being caught for speeding simply gives the police more money in their bank account. Not so, as the motorists currently get a 10% + 2 mph allowance before any prosecutions take place and all monies, except for a small part from those that chose to go on a speed awareness course if offered, goes straight to the government.
“No-one has to pay a speeding fine, unlike income tax or other mandatory taxes. So, if the motorist wishes to avoid traffic fines, then simply slow down and get legal. The solution is always in the driver’s hands.”
