Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Civic leaders help Speedwatch group’s safety campaign
A driver was caught racing through a Canterbury village at almost 100mph, speed campaigners have revealed.
The motorist was clocked by a handheld camera on the 40mph stretch of Stone Street at Lower Hardres.
Members of Speedwatch, a community group which aims to reduce speeds along the road, recalled their biggest hit as they enjoyed some civic re-enforcement.
They were joined by Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr George Metcalfe and Sheriff of Canterbury Cllr Rosemary Doyle, who is ward councillor for the area, to help raise the scheme’s profile.
Together they clocked eight drivers speeding past the Granville pub in one hour.
Jo Mckeever, who lives in Bridge Road and works at the village farm shop, has been involved with the scheme for five years.
She said: “We don’t give out tickets – our aim is just to get people to slow down.
“When I started out I reckon that somewhere between 50% and 60% of people sped along Stone Street. Now I reckon it’s about 1% to 2%.
“We did have a driver come through at 96mph. It was the fastest we’ve ever seen.
“The police were brilliant about it. We got his registration and they sent officers round to give him advice.
“We actually used to be scared of crossing the road here, but now it’s much better and we’re very happy about that.”
The scheme is supported by Kent Police and Kent County Council.
Volunteers use speedguns to clock vehicles while electronic signs tell drivers their speed.
Jo added: “It was great having George come down. He’s done Speedwatch before and he was giving us his support. Rosemary has also been brilliant in supporting us.
“It’s a growing scheme and there are now quite a lot of people in Kent doing it now.
“The point is education and all we want is people to slow down, to obey the limit as they come through the village.”
Speedwatch schemes operate throughout the county and aim to reduce death and injury on the roads, improve the quality of life for people living on or near busy roads and increase public awareness of inappropriate speed.
Log on to www.communityspeedwatch.co.uk to start your own scheme or for more information.