The Community Speedwatch initiative in the West Midlands is playing a key role in the ongoing battle against speeding drivers, with continued growth and strong support from West Midlands Police.
Acting Chief Constable Scott Green expressed pride in the volunteers' commitment and reaffirmed the force’s dedication to supporting the scheme. At a recent accountability and governance board meeting with the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), the program’s progress was a topic of discussion.
Currently, nearly 350 residents volunteer as part of 68 Community Speedwatch groups throughout the region. These volunteers use specialized devices to record details of vehicles exceeding speed limits. Motorists caught speeding receive warning letters highlighting the dangers of their behavior. Repeat offenders face further action, including visits from local police and potential criminal prosecution.
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Deputy PCC Wasim Ali praised the volunteers during Volunteers’ Week in early June and inquired about the force’s management and outcomes of the program over the past two years.
ACC Green outlined the ongoing development of Community Speedwatch through 2025 and 2026. A monthly road harm reduction meeting, chaired by the road policing unit’s chief inspector, coordinates efforts to improve road safety. This forum includes regular reviews of Community Speedwatch activities.
To enhance data accuracy, a new QR code system was introduced to streamline information collection from volunteers. The force is also collaborating with learning and development teams to expand training courses for officers involved in the program. This initiative has increased enforcement operations targeting speeding drivers.
In 2025, 148 officers received initial or refresher Community Speedwatch training, boosting local policing areas' capacity to support the effort. The road harms policing team actively assists in training community volunteers.
Volunteer-selected locations are prioritized based on local concerns and traffic data. ACC Green emphasized the importance of listening to community members, who have firsthand knowledge of their neighborhoods’ road conditions.
With 68 active groups and 347 volunteers, Community Speedwatch continues to grow. The force remains proud of this partnership, investing resources to work alongside committed volunteers in making West Midlands roads safer.