Plans to clamp down on speeding drivers

Volunteers in Bridge of Allan and Dunblane could soon be on the alert for speeding drivers on their roads - with other communities given the opportunity to follow suit.

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache has been working with community police on the issue in his ward and is looking to set up a Community Speedwatch initiative, run by community councillors in conjunction with local primary schools.

Community Speedwatch (CSW) is a police-supported national initiative where trained volunteers use speed detection devices to monitor vehicle speeds in their local communities, report speeding drivers to the police, and raise awareness to improve road safety.

Volunteers do not have legal enforcement powers but their data helps police identify problem areas and repeat offenders, which can lead to warning letters or further enforcement action.

The ultimate goal is to reduce speeding and road casualties by educating drivers and encouraging them to slow down.

At a recent meeting of Stirling Council's public safety committee Stirling division's Inspector Natalie Cook said it was appreciated that there were areas of concern about speeding, including in 20mph limits.

“We will issue letters in a bid to influence and educate to prevent that becoming an ongoing issue but that’s just one of a suite of options that we have.

“We are very committed to road safety but our resourcing picture does mean that we will not always be able to deploy at a time when that comes in.”