POLICE patrols took place this week to target speeding, truancy, vehicle licensing and anti-social behaviour throughout the Lambourn area, as part of Lambourn Week of Action.
Speed checks were done using a speed indicator device on roads where residents had complained of speeding, including Wantage Road in Lambourn, by a speed management assistant for West Berkshire Council, Roland Bainbridge.
The indicator showed drivers their speed on entering the village from the Wantage Road direction, with a smiley face if they were travelling at 30mph or below and a sad face if they were over the speed limit. It also recorded all the speeds, but was not used for enforcing the speed limit.
Mr Bainbridge said: “If someone is going excessively above the limit, we would make a note of the number plate, but it is not for enforcement.
“What will come out of the speed checks will be a profile of the speeds done on those roads at the time, which can be used when the speed limits are reviewed. They will also be available for the public to view
“They also helped to slow drivers down on their way in and out of the village, as they usually remember that the device is there on their return journey.”
West Berkshire councillor Graham Jones (Con, Lambourn) said: “One issue with speeding in Lambourn is that pretty much every entrance into the village is a straight road, and people see that the road ahead is clear and think they can go faster.”
The Community Fun day, which was part of the Week of Action, took place on Sunday, with a poster competition judged by local children’s author Geraldine McCaughrean, a football tournament and chance to explore a fire engine at Lambourn fire station.
Sgt Lucy Skinner, who organised the day, said: “I think the day was a great success considering how much it rained. We were very pleased with the numbers of people who braved the weather to come and get involved in the activities.”
A raffle and cake stall on the day raised more than £100 for children’s charity UNICEF, and children from the area planted pots of flowers which will be delivered to the elderly.