Community Speed Watch volunteers celebrated during National Day of Action

Community Speed Watch (CSW) volunteers across Surrey were recognised for their dedication to improving road safety as they took part in the National Community Speed Watch Day of Action on Wednesday 15^th July.

The day formed part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) Operation Spotlight campaign, shining a light on the vital role that Community Speed Watch volunteers play in encouraging safer speeds and helping to make Surrey’s roads safer for everyone.

Across the county, 48 Community Speed Watch group sessions took place, with volunteers recording 608 vehicles travelling above the speed limit for processing. Following the necessary checks, 560 warning letters were issued to drivers, reminding them of the importance of driving within the speed limit and the risks that excessive speed can pose to all road users.

The day’s activity also identified several additional vehicle-related offences, including six vehicles without a valid MOT, 14 vehicles without vehicle tax and two vehicles registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), demonstrating the wider value of Community Speed Watch in supporting safer and more responsible road use.

The highest speed recorded during the day was over 51mph in a 30mph limit, while another driver was recorded travelling over 40mph in a 20mph limit. A vehicle was also recorded travelling at over 55mph in a 40mph limit, highlighting the importance of drivers choosing safe and appropriate speeds for the road conditions.

Throughout the day, Surrey Police Casualty Reduction Officers were also on hand to support Community Speed Watch volunteers where possible, providing an opportunity to strengthen partnership working, share knowledge and recognise the important contribution volunteers make in helping to tackle speeding concerns in their communities.

Volunteers from the Ockley Community Speed Watch group carrying out a speed monitoring session alongside Surrey Police’s Casualty Reduction officers during the National Community Speed Watch Day of Action.

Supporting safer speeds across Surrey

Community Speed Watch is a volunteer-led initiative that empowers local residents to work alongside Surrey Police to address speeding concerns in their communities. Using approved equipment, trained volunteers monitor vehicle speeds at agreed locations, with offending drivers receiving educational warning letters where appropriate.

The scheme is designed to educate rather than enforce, helping drivers recognise the consequences of speeding while encouraging lasting behavioural change.

Across Surrey, there are currently 60 registered Community Speed Watch groups, with more than 12,300 warning letters generated over the last 12 months. The continued commitment of volunteers gives communities a direct role in promoting safer roads while supporting wider road safety activity across the county.

Members of the West Horsley Community Speed Watch group monitoring vehicle speeds to help encourage safer driving through their local community.

Working towards Vision Zero

Community Speed Watch plays an important role in Surrey RoadSafe’s Vision Zero ambition of eliminating road deaths and serious injuries on Surrey’s roads by 2050.

Safe speeds is one of the key components of the Safe System approach. While speed limits provide a legal maximum, choosing an appropriate speed for the road, weather and traffic conditions is equally important. By encouraging safer driving habits, Community Speed Watch helps reduce risk, protects vulnerable road users and creates safer neighbourhoods for everyone.

Surrey RoadSafe would like to extend a sincere thank you to every Community Speed Watch volunteer who generously gives their time to support their local community. Their enthusiasm, commitment and continued dedication make a real difference in improving road safety across Surrey.

Volunteers from the Worplesdon Community Speed Watch group supporting safer speeds in their community as part of the National Community Speed Watch Day of Action.

Get involved

Whether you’re concerned about speeding in your neighbourhood or would like to volunteer your time to help make a difference, Community Speed Watch offers a fantastic opportunity to support your local community.

To find out more about the scheme, how it works, or how to join an existing group or establish a new one in your area, visit the Community Speed Watch page on the Surrey RoadSafe website or contact the team by emailing CommunitySpeedWatch@surrey.police.uk.

Together, by choosing safe speeds and supporting initiatives like Community Speed Watch, we can all play our part in creating safer roads and moving closer to Surrey’s Vision Zero goal.