Community SpeedWatch Hub

To join a Community SpeedWatch group, you must:

• Watch the Community SpeedWatch video, which covers [add context].
• Complete the Community SpeedWatch Knowledge Check and achieve a 100% score.
• Details of the scheme you’d like to join and which network it sits under.

If you pass the test, you will be asked to provide your contact details via the application form. When filling out the application form, you will need to provide details on:

• Your name, date, and place of birth.
• Your contact information, including an email and phone number.

Once your application is approved, you will be assigned a reference number and will be subject to a suitability check. The suitability check involves:

• undergoing a criminal record check. Previous convictions will not automatically disqualify you; each case is considered individually
• standard security checks required for all prospective Constabulary employees

Volunteers must also:

• Be at least 18 years old
• complete Roadside Training

To start a new Community Speedwatch group, you must:

• Watch the Community SpeedWatch video, which covers [add context].
• Complete the Community SpeedWatch Knowledge Check and achieve a 100% score.

If you pass the test, you will be asked to provide your contact details via the application form. When filling out the application form, you will need to provide details on:

• Your name, date, and place of birth.
• Your contact information, including an email and phone number.
• Where your new group would be based, it’s name based on this location, and which network you think it would sit under.

Once your application is approved, you will be assigned a reference number and will be subject to a suitability check. The suitability check involves:

• undergoing a criminal record check. Previous convictions will not automatically disqualify you; each case is considered individually
• standard security checks required for all prospective Constabulary employees

Volunteers must also:

• Be at least 18 years old
• complete Roadside Training

If there is not a scheme in a location where there is a speeding concern, you can apply to set up a new one.

Schemes must have:

• at least three volunteers to operate a session
• an identifiable location where there is a speeding concern
• data to support the speeding concern

If you are looking to start a scheme, you should also have a dedicated email account that you can use for it. This should not be your personal email account.

Volunteers must complete the application process and undergo training before attending roadside sessions.

During roadside sessions, volunteers must also wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adhere to the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Values and Standards.

Once you have applied, your nominated site will be assessed by the Roads Policing Unit (RPU). This will include checks to see if it is a suitable location for monitoring. Monitoring should only take place in:

• an approved direction with good visibility
• good visibility, and only during the hours of daylight
• good weather, not raining or snowing

A Community SpeedWatch location must be used at least every 12 months. If it is not used this frequently, it with be removed from the list of approved sites and will require a new site assessment.

Other considerations when selecting a Community SpeedWatch location include:

• if there is a safe place to stand and operate with escape routes
• if there is a minimum of 60 metres of clear view
• whether junctions or visibility for drivers will be hindered
• if activity will obstruct footpaths or cycle lanes

In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and following consultation with force data protection officers, CSW schemes are not permitted to retain any information related to vehicles or individuals identified during their sessions.

All records, whether paper, handwritten, or electronic, must be destroyed upon submission to the police. No details from these sessions should be retained outside of a police station.

Additionally, any specific CSW activity or information regarding individual vehicles or drivers must remain confidential within the CSW team. Discussions on these matters must not take place outside the team.

Approved CSW roadside volunteers are covered by Avon and Somerset Police’s public liability insurance solely for the purpose of conducting vehicle speed monitoring sessions.

This coverage applies providing that volunteers:

• Have successfully completed the police online knowledge check, including refresher and roadside training.
• Operate from a police-approved location and comply with any restrictions or comments outlined in the site assessment.
• Adhere to all guidance and policies set out in the insurance certificate [LINK].

If you or the scheme decide to withdraw from Community SpeedWatch, you should email the Community SpeedWatch mailbox so that we can arrange to collect equipment and update our records.

If speeding is an issue in your area, you should complete our Community Speed Concern form to let us know.

If you are already a Community SpeedWatch member, you can access the Members’ area [LINK] to view guidance and support related to your role.

You will need to enter the password supplied by your CSW admin in order to access these resources.