THREE Community Speedwatch teams have joined forces to help combat speeding in North Somerset.

The three teams from Portishead, Weston-in-Gordano and Walton-in-Gordano held a speedwatch session on August 24, 2023, between 5pm and 6pm.

A representative from the group said: "Walton-in-Gordano (30mph legal speed limit) recorded 939 vehicles passing them, in both directions, by the village hall.

"Of which 25 were reported to Avon and Somerset Police for speeding. The highest speed recorded and reported was an astonishing 50mph.

"Weston-in-Gordano (20mph speed limit) recorded 792 vehicles passing in both directions.  Of these 24 were reported to Avon and Somerset Police for speeding.

"Remembering this is a 20mph top speed recorded was still a remarkably high 33mph. 

"Portishead group were based in North Weston (30mph speed limit) 368 vehicles were recorded  passing them (but only one direction South West to North East), of which 12 were reported to Avon and Somerset Police for speeding. The top speed here was recorded as 42 mph.

"All three speedwatches want everyone to know, especially drivers, that we are not here to penalise. We don’t do that. But we are here to prevent."

A spokesperson from the Avon and Somerset Police force said: "Speeding is one of the top factors in fatal and serious injury collisions and Community Speedwatch groups play an important role in promoting road safety and we are grateful for their continued support.

"While it is pleasing the overwhelming majority of motorists were driving to the speed limit on this particular day, it only takes one person to drive dangerously to cause an otherwise avoidable collision.

"The registered keepers of vehicles recorded travelling faster than the legal limit will be sent letters notifying them and warning them of the dangers of speeding.

"The data of those individuals will be recorded and repeat offenders may receive additional education from the police.

"Mobile speed cameras are regularly in operation along the B3124, with sites in Walton-in-Gordano, Weston-in-Gordano and North Weston, as well as nearby in Clapton-in-Gordano, Clevedon and Portishead. PCs and PCSOs also carry out speed enforcement work in North Somerset.

"We also work with other agencies, including the fire service, on educational activities and displays to illustrate the dangers of speeding."

"More information about volunteering for Speedwatch, and speed cameras are available on our website."