Tackling road related concerns

In South Cambridgeshire road concerns fall into the categories of speeding, parking, or large vehicles. These problems are easily noticed and can persist. Many communities want the police to solve these problems by enforcing rules and having a presence. But we’ve found that having the short-term presence of police doesn’t have any long-term impact to the targeted behaviour. Putting double yellow lines doesn't work either, as it moves the problem elsewhere in the community.

Often, the real solution to these chronic issues lies within the community itself. Community engagement is therefore key to finding holistic and long-term solutions.

Local voluntary programs like Speedwatch and HGV Watch can help provide a more regular presence and have a greater impact within a community. They're sustainable and have a more preventative impact on speeders and poor parkers than occasional visits from an enforcement officer. Speed Watch and HGV Watch offer statistical data to the police and local authorities about the realities of speeding problems and large vehicles. This data can help them solve the problem

In the 'Crime Prevention' section of this toolkit, it's crucial to figure out if there's an actual problem and what it is. Or if there just a view or feeling that there is a problem.

If your community group would like to tackle any road related concerns in your village, you can see the partners below who may be able to help you with this.

Speeding

Community Speedwatch (CSW) is a national initiative where active members of local communities join with the support of the police to monitor speeds of vehicles using speed detection devices. CSW Online is working on behalf of the Police and communities to organise and coordinate CSW activity. 

HGV traffic

HGVs have an adverse effect on road surfaces, structures and underground services. They can cause unnecessary air and noise pollution in residential areas and can create serious safety hazards for other road users and pedestrians, especially children.

HGV Watch is a new scheme backed by the police but lead by local volunteers. Volunteers undertake high-visibility roadside operations to educate HGV drivers that they are travelling through weight, height or width restricted routes in local towns or parishes. Any vehicles seen using those restricted routes can then be reported.

HGV Watch is not enforcement – it is about raising awareness and educating drivers.

For more information contact hgvwatch@cambs.pnn.police.uk.

Reducing road traffic around your local school

Modeshift STARS is the national awards scheme that recognises schools that have shown excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel. Schools can earn bronze, silver, or gold level awards for shifting to sustainable modes of travel.    

Walking bus

The Walking Bus scheme is a safe and healthy way for groups of children to walk to and from school. Each walking bus has an adult 'driver' at the front and an adult 'conductor' at the rear. The children walk along a set route picking up 'passengers' at planned 'bus stops' along the way.

Promote cycling in your community

Create a cycling group in your community to encourage residents to leave the car at home and reap the health benefits. Find out more at Cycling UK.

Road safety

THINK! is a campaign by the UK government that has been running road safety campaigns for more than 75 years.