Speeding motorists recorded doing nearly 100mph in Bucklebury

Cars doing nearly 100mph in the early afternoon have been reported in a West Berkshire village.

Following a trial five years ago, the parish council in Bucklebury implemented speed indicator devices (SIDs) in 2023.

While most cars stick to the limit, some go above 30mph, with one doing more than three times that.

If a driver is going at the correct speed, the signs display a smiley face. Speeding drivers are met with a frown.

The frame housing the SID was built by a blacksmith, meaning it can be moved around the village.

Placards, created by Bucklebury Primary School, have been installed on lamp posts around the village to reinforce the message.

David Southgate, vice chairman of Bucklebury Parish Council, said: “The Bucklebury Parish Speed Indicator Device (SID) team of volunteers has done a fantastic job of deploying the device around the Parish over the last 12 months.

“The data now represents over 530,000 vehicle movements.

“Locations include sites in Upper Bucklebury, Bucklebury Village and Chapel Row.

“The bulk of motorists are responding to SID with the data showing the majority of the drivers slow down to the speed limit – but some clearly don’t.”

He continued: “Sadly we have had new high speeds in our 30mph zones in Burdens Heath Westbound (96mph) and Broad Lane eastbound and westbound (73mph).

“These speeds are recorded but not displayed to avoid this being seen as a challenge.”

Mr Southgate said many roads in the village do not have footpaths, and speeding motorists pose a risk to parishioners.

“These speeds are occurring throughout the day – the recent worst example was recorded at 2.21pm on a Wednesday afternoon,” he added.

The data collected by the SIDs shows how fast drivers were going, and this is collated into a spreadsheet shared with West Berkshire Council and Thames Valley Police.

The parish council is looking at expanding the scheme with a Speedwatch scheme.

This sees community volunteers use hand-held devices that check vehicle speeds via radar.

It records registration plates and the make of vehicles if they are speeding.

Those taking part are trained by officers and undertake risk assessments before signing up.

Mr Southgate said: “As an escalation Community Speed Watch warning signs are now in place in Upper Bucklebury and Chapel Row and our scheme is progressing with the police.

“Speedwatch will see those who are recorded driving at excessive speed in the parish receiving letters or visits from the police.

“We are looking with help from the police, West Berkshire Council and our volunteers to see if we can find a less manpower intensive means to deploy Speedwatch as the current Thames Valley Police base model requires three volunteers for each deployment.

“If you feel strongly about this issue, additional volunteers are always welcome.”