Officers across the county have been conducting regular speed checks following concerns from members of the public that some drivers may be taking advantage of quieter roads during lockdown.
Due to the fact that our Community Speedwatch volunteers have been unable to operate due to COVID19, Community Policing Team officers have carried out enforcement at their usual sites.
Officers from the force’s Roads Policing Unit have also been carrying out enforcement on the strategic main routes in the county.
Earlier this week, one driver was recorded driving at 90mph in a 40mph zone in Thamesdown Drive – 50mph over the speed limit.
The driver, a man in his 30s who was driving a BMW 335D M-Sport, has been reported to court for the offence.
Two other drivers were also recorded driving at 75mph and 73mph on the same stretch of road near to Queen Elizabeth Drive at lunch time on the same day. They have also been reported to court.
Insp Colin Conway said: “We regularly hear concerns from the public about speeding on Thamesdown Drive and these concerns have continued during the lockdown period. This is a 40mph road, it’s not a race circuit yet some drivers appear to be treating it as such. The 40mph limit is in place for a reason – to keep you, other road users and pedestrians safe. Driving at 90mph on this stretch of road is disgraceful and selfish behaviour and it is lucky that nobody was injured.”
Superintendent Dave Minty said the speed enforcement work would be continuing over the coming weeks.
He said: “Although these speed checks have shown us that the majority of motorists are driving safely and responsibly, there are a minority who are not. We understand that this is something the public is concerned about and we believe this proactive work not only provides reassurance for our communities but will also be a deterrent to those who may be tempted to drive dangerously.
“Over the coming days and weeks, we expect the roads to become busier as some people head back to work and others adjust to the easing up of the lockdown restrictions. We will continue to conduct speed checks across the county in a bid to keep our roads safe.”
