Community Speed Watch conference

The first Community Speed Watch Conference in East Sussex has been heralded a success.

The venue for the conference was East Sussex Fire and Rescue Services, Maresfield Training Centre. The event was hosted by the Deputy Chief Fire Officer for East Sussex.

Mark O’Brien who said “I was very pleased to be able to welcome over 50 colleagues from a number of partner agencies to this important event. The Community Speedwatch programme is an important community based effort to improve road safety across the county. The high esteem and value of the programme was recognised by Katy Bourne, the Police and Crime Commissioner. We have a number of our fantastic volunteers who make up our own “Roads Watch” team in support of Community Speed Watch and this event gave me an opportunity to thank them directly for their contribution. Their efforts in conducting road side checks have allowed us to play a very practical part in efforts to improve road safety and have assisted in extending and evaluating the Community Speed Watch programme through delivering some innovative practices.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex welcomed everyone to the Conference and reiterated the collaborative working and how important it was to work together and thanked the Community Speed Watch Volunteers for their great work in the Community and how much she supported the work of the teams across the County.

Guest speakers at the event were – Eddie Preece from the safety Camera Team who gave a very informative talk about the work of the team, site selection criteria and how groups could potentially get the team to operate in their area when there is evidence to support the need.

Jan Jung and Simon Mansfield from Community Speed Watch Online also gave a talk about the National Community Speed Watch and how that was progressing.

Sussex Police District Commander Anita Turner was also on hand to present certificates of long service to nine co-ordinators.

The afternoon was taken up with a valuable training and updating session, which will allow co-ordinators to cascade information back to their groups.

Steve O’Connell, Chief Training Officer for Community Speed watch said ” I would like to express my sincere thanks to East Sussex Fire and Rescue by hosting this important event and helping us on the day , also to the ESFRS Roads Watch Volunteers and Community Speedwatch Teams on the ground not only for their commitment to the community but for their professionalism at the roadside and helping to influencing driver behaviour and making a real difference within their community. The extent of the teams work cannot be underestimated and plays a really important part in addressing a very real part in the efforts of all partner agencies in helping to reduce fatalities on our roads and helping to educate drivers in the dangers of excessive speed. I am looking to replicate this event in West and Mid Sussex early next year. I am also hopeful that this will be an annual event so that we can build upon the success we have had.

For further details of how you can help your community and be part of speed watch then please contact Steve O’Connell HERE