'Something needs to be done' about speeding on West Berkshire roads
Residents have voiced concerns over ongoing speeding problems.
And they blame careless drivers and late night race rallies for causing continued disruption and health and safety risks to the general public.
The areas they claim that are affected include Pangbourne, Basildon, Burghfield, Theale and Brimpton.
One Burghfield resident told this newspaper: "The part of the road I live on is a 30mph zone and after our row of houses, it changes to 60. What happens on a constant basis is that as soon as motorists enter Padworth Road from the mini roundabout to travel towards Tadley, they think they are starting a road race instead of waiting until they clear the houses.
"I have two small kids, so this is always a concern when we are walking to and from school."
Another resident from Lower Basildon, who asked to remain anonymous, added: "We live in the Stonehouse properties right on the main road to Pangbourne. I am disabled and have three small children and we cannot even exit our front gates for fear of the speeding traffic. Our end of the village really struggles."
Residents have called for increased traffic calming measures, including further speed cameras and sentinels, with one resident citing Woolhampton as an example of where the 30mph limited is enforced effectively.
Thames Valley Police released this statement: "Our Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit delivers targeted enforcement and education, providing a deterrent designed to make roads safer and to reduce the number of persons killed or seriously injured.
"We use prevention campaigns, such as our ‘It’s Not Worth the Risk’ campaign, to try and ensure all road users behave appropriately and keep themselves safe while using the roads in our region.
"Furthermore, we carry out effective, information led patrols and engagement in conjunction with our partners to deliver a safer and more secure road network.
"We rely on the public to provide information and would encourage anyone with information about speeding or poor driving to please report it on our website or on 101, so we can gather information about a particular area and take action where appropriate.
"In addition, the Community Speedwatch scheme is running in many areas across the force, which empowers residents to monitor motorists in areas of concern. Once mandatory training is completed, volunteers record the registrations of vehicles going above the speed limit with the use of a speed indicator device or a handheld speed gun. This data is given to the police and warning letters are sent to the registered keepers. The data can also be used to assess future police enforcement or other traffic calming measures which may be required.
"We have found that regular sessions by the Community Speedwatch teams have had a positive effect on the behaviour of motorists, reducing reoffending by 95 per cent, especially those driving through the villages where they live. The scheme gives the opportunity to residents and volunteers to tackle the issues of the most concern to them. It is a great example of police and communities working together."
