Mickle Trafford & District - Speed Watch

Community Speedwatch in Mickle Trafford. – One Year On.

It was just a year ago when Speedwatch began in Mickle Trafford to address residents concerns over speeding on the A56 through the village and on minor roads serving the locality. We learnt from the experience of the pioneering Warrington group and had help and encouragement from the Burton/Willaston volunteers. The local Cheshire police (Traffic Division) were very supportive and trained a group of eight volunteers from within the Parish. A Bushnell Speedster gun was purchased by the Parish Council and High Vis jackets obtained through generous contacts.

Initially 5 monitoring sites were granted approval and rotas drawn up to carry out speed monitoring twice each week. The main focus was the A56 (40mph restriction) in the village as this is the route of the commercial vehicles as well as a direct artery in and out of Chester. We only reported drivers who significantly exceeded the speed limit (i.e. 46 mph and above). Registration numbers and vehicle details were handed to the local police who sent out warning letters. At first we “caught” some 5-10 speeders in a one hour session. Some were local cars whilst others were passing traffic not familiar with the area.

As the team became more familiar with the monitoring process they were able to collect additional data such as the total number of vehicles per hour and the proportion of cars to large commercial vehicles. This added interest to the session. The Speedwatch team varied the operating times to include weekends and early evenings in the Summer. Gradually the local residents recognised the Speedwatch activity and passing vehicles gestured their approval. Professional drivers (buses, HGVs, and Taxis) respected the speed limits. Admittedly they warned each other by flashing approaching traffic but the result was exactly what we wanted to achieve – lower speeds in the village.

Unfortunately a technical problem with the speed gun prompted questions of its legality as it operates on a “Police” reserved frequency. Months of negotiations between the police, legislators and the Home Office caused the Speedwatch operation to be suspended. During this period we used the SID (speed indicator) to give some continuity and alert drivers that we had not given up the challenge.

Recently agreement has been reached allowing the current trained Speedwatch volunteers to continue using the Bushnell Speedster gun. No more of this type of gun can be purchased so if it breaks down we will have to think again. Approval has been given in principle for other devices, but these are expensive (beyond the reach of a small Parish council).

Having recommenced speed monitoring we are encouraged to find that the drivers in Mickle Trafford are getting the message. There are very few speeding motorists and professional drivers are acting responsibly. We believe it is the High Vis jackets and the dogged persistence of the volunteers to carry out the speed checks in both fine weather and foul. Most drivers react positively to our efforts. Those who drive irresponsibly or are oblivious to the speed restrictions do not get away with it. Some 50 or so have received a police official warning. Hopefully they will improve their driving and not speed in future.

So what next? We will have to continue to monitor the traffic otherwise motorists will slip into bad habits. The extension of the speed limit to Ince Lane will provide an opportunity for sites around Bridge Trafford where there are likely to be frequent speeders until motorists get used to the new restrictions. We seem to be successful at the moment in reducing speeding through the village and intend to do more to consolidate the position. Groups considering starting a Speedwatch scheme in their villages are welcome to contact us for help and advice.

Footnote: Freda Mottram is the Speedwatch Co-ordinator, assisted by Roger Brace. Contact details are in the Parish Newsletter.