‘Unprecedented’ number of people speeding in the town says community speed watch

FROME’S community speed watch (CSW) volunteers have been moving the Speed Indicator Device (SID) around several agreed location in Frome to gather data about driver numbers and speeds. Speed watch volunteers have noticed an increase in speeding on the weekend, as well as catching more young people and women drivers going over the limit. 

The 30mph locations under watch include: Culverhill (next to the Dippy), Styles Hill, Warminster Road and Marston Road (near the junction with Cabell Road). The 20mph locations are the town centre bridge (facing in both directions). 

SIDs record the speed of oncoming vehicles and displays this value to drivers in real time. The date, time and speed of all vehicles are recorded in order to identify patterns and identify concerns. 

The data was discussed at a meeting of the town matters committee of Frome Town Council last Wednesday, but the town council has said it is too early to offer recommendations on the early analysis. 

Ashley Reay, Mendip CSW coordinator, said at the meeting, “Mendip has seen an unprecedented growth in speeding in most areas, with speeding in some parts of the Frome area doubling. Over 10,000 people in the town have been prosecuted for speeding since last year; I’m sure the Chancellor appreciates the extra million pounds that you’ve contributed!” 

Rex Eastment, who is a Mendip CSW member said, “The SID operates 24/7 and we’ve noticed higher speeds at weekends rather than during the week. Something that we have noticed is that a lot of drivers, often young people, are seeing the SIDs and they are actually trying to go as fast as they can to get the highest number possible to flash up on the screen. 

“There is a maximum speed that can be shown and that is the threshold for the police to actually start enforcement. For example, if the speed limit is 30mph, the highest it will show is 36mph. The idea we’ve discussed is for the SIDs to just flash the speed cars are meant to do – for example if a car is doing 25mph in a 20mph zone, the 20mph limit will flash up alongside a ‘slow down’ message.” 

Cllr Anita Collier said, “I was out on community speed watch today, and there was a sweeping generalisation that it’s the young people that are pushing the limit with speed; but what we found out today is that when we surveyed over 900 cars, 36 were over the limit and 2/3rds of those people were women – we’ve noticed that time and time again. 

In response, Rex said, “I would totally agree with that. We find all the time that it’s mostly females with children in the car.” 

He added, “As good as SIDs are, we can’t collect data on repeat offenders but we can look at high end speeders. We’re hoping that the police accept the idea of auto speed watch as this would actually take a photo of the rear of speeding vehicles as it provides a lot more information, but that’s further down the track I’m afraid.”