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Community SpeedWatch volunteer resources

Community SpeedWatch (CSW) gives local people the ability to get involved in road safety. Scheme volunteers must participate in training and have access to additional resources on topics such as how to ensure safety whilst participating in sessions.

Contents

Training

All new volunteers must complete two stages of training before participating in roadside sessions.

  1. Step 1 :

    Volunteers must complete an online knowledge check, covering key aspects of Community SpeedWatch. This includes:

    • the Community SpeedWatch process
    • equipment usage
    • safety procedures

    All volunteers must complete a refresher course annually. This is to maintain insurance coverage, as well as helping volunteers to keep up to date with current procedures. Failure to complete this refresher training may result in removal from the scheme.

  2. Step 2 :

    Roadside training can only take place once a volunteer has been approved and issued with safety equipment. No training is allowed before official approval.

    Training will be delivered by:

    • the Network Area Lead (NAL)
    • a suitably trained Scheme Coordinator who has completed the online training

    If trainers are unavailable, this can also be led by the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT). Only approved trainers may deliver roadside training.

    Training content

    The roadside training will cover:

    • health and safety (reinforcing the online knowledge check)
    • proper use of CSW equipment
    • positioning at approved locations
    • recording vehicle details accurately
    • emergency procedures
    • upholding police values: Caring, Inclusive, Courageous, Learning

    All volunteers can be trained together in a single session.

  3. Step 3 :

    Every three years, volunteers will need to complete the refresher knowledge check, in order to remain a part of the Community SpeedWatch programme.

Once training has been completed, the Force Community SpeedWatch (or Neighbourhood Watch) administrator must be informed using the Roadside Training Completed form, and the training and compliance checklist.

Flexible training options

Approved volunteers may be able to complete their roadside training at the next available roadside session, under the guidance of an approved CSW trainer or NPT member.

Conducting a Roadside Session

Once your training has been completed, you will be able to conduct Roadside Sessions. These sessions should be recorded using the online portal.

Guidance for Roadside Sessions

While carrying out monitoring at an approved location:

  • always stand at the designated, approved location
  • if an obstruction is present, do not relocate – instead, cancel the session and reschedule
  • monitoring is permitted in rain and snow, but only if visibility and safety are maintained
  • monitoring is not allowed during non-daylight hours
  • hi-viz jackets must be worn at all times during monitoring

When monitoring oncoming traffic:

  • remain visible at all times, standing at the approved location, wearing a hi-viz jacket
  • do not conceal yourself behind street furniture, foliage, or walls to step out and monitor
  • do not stand in the roadway or step off the kerb to obtain a better speed reading

If approached by a member of the public in an aggressive manner:

  • hand them an information card and politely explain the CSW scheme, if appropriate
  • do not engage in confrontation or escalate the situation
  • if necessary, call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 in an emergency
Online session reporting

To record details of your sessions, you will need to access the online reporting portal.

On the online portal, you will need to:

  1. enter the names of the volunteers operating the session and input the password
  2. enter the date of your CSW sessions
  3. select your Network, Scheme, and the site where you conducted the session
  4. enter the vehicle details – provide as much information as possible to help us cross-reference the vehicle with the Police National Computer to ensure we are writing to the correct registered keeper. You should provide as much detail as possible, including make, model, and colour
  5. to add additional vehicles, click “add another”. If you add a vehicle by mistake, you can delete it by clicking “delete this”.
  6. enter the total number of vehicles that passed through the session
  7. review your entries and submit the report

Once submitted, you will receive a reference number for your session.

What about sessions I’ve already submitted?

Any sheets submitted via the old process will still be processed. There is no need to resubmit them.

Can I save a copy of the report?

Under guidance issued in November 2018, all CSW schemes must destroy records related to CSW sessions after submission to the police. If you have a query regarding a session, please contact your Network Area Lead or the Road Safety Department.

My scheme or site isn’t showing in the list?

If your scheme or an approved site is not visible in the form, please contact the Community SpeedWatch Administrator for support.

Roles in Community SpeedWatch

A successful Community SpeedWatch operation relies on various roles, each contributing to a scheme’s effectiveness.

Roadside volunteer

Police-trained volunteers who conduct roadside speed monitoring sessions. Responsibilities include:

  • operating the speed detection device
  • recording the registration, make, and colour of vehicles exceeding the speed threshold
  • submitting roadside session reports to the Scheme Coordinator

As representatives of both the community and the police, roadside volunteers must adhere to all CSW guidance. No access to police stations is required.

Scheme Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator

A police-trained volunteer who, in addition to roadside monitoring, oversees and coordinates the scheme and its volunteers. Responsibilities include:

  • submitting session reports to the police
  • acting as a liaison between the scheme and the police through the CSW Network Volunteer Lead
  • representing the scheme at network meetings and providing feedback to network leads or the management group

No access to police stations is required.

Network Area Leads (NALs)

Network Area Leads are responsible for overseeing and coordinating Community SpeedWatch activity within their network, ensuring all schemes operate effectively and safely. Key duties include:

  • supporting new schemes in documenting and evidencing local speeding concerns
  • representing their network at force-level Community SpeedWatch meetings
  • chairing network lead meetings and attending management group meetings
  • planning network-wide activities, including campaigns and promotional efforts, in collaboration with the administrator
  • managing complaints and serving as an escalation point for network issues

Due to their expanded role at the force level, Network Area Leads must apply to become a Police Support Volunteer, which grants them access to police stations when required.

Data processing team

A team of trained Police Support Volunteers responsible for processing roadside reports. Their tasks include:

  • identifying registered vehicle keepers via the Police National Computer
  • cross-referencing vehicle descriptions in roadside reports with records
  • issuing warning letters (only if the registration, make, and colour match)

The team operates from various locations across the force area, primarily supporting specific CSW networks but assisting others as needed. Warning letters are issued by the Road Safety Enforcement Unit (RSEU).

Force Neighbourhood Watch or Community SpeedWatch administrator

Individuals employed by Avon and Somerset Constabulary to:

  • build strong links between Network Area Leads, scheme members, and operational policing teams
  • identify emerging issues and areas for improvement
  • develop local solutions and escalate concerns where necessary
  • expand CSW networks by engaging with community contacts and external partners to promote awareness and recruit new volunteers
Network Policing Lead

A PCSO Supervisor serves as the local policing lead for each CSW network. Where no PCSO Supervisor is available, the local NPT Sergeant assumes this role.

The Force NHW or CSW administrators, in collaboration with the RSEU and CSW Network Volunteer Lead, oversee CSW operations in alignment with force guidance. They ensure Neighbourhood Policing Teams are actively involved with CSW schemes.

Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT)

The NPT serves as a key point of contact for Community SpeedWatch schemes and provides support by:

  • assisting with roadside and site assessments when the CSW Network Volunteer Lead is unavailable
  • following up on repeat and high-end speed offenders
  • addressing incidents of threatening behaviour or abuse, escalating criminal matters to the Force CSW Lead
  • liaising with Scheme Coordinators

The NPT team is contactable via their team tray, the Force CSW or NHW administrators, and, where possible, a designated PCSO for each CSW scheme area.

Road Safety Enforcement Unity (RSEU)

The RSEU convenes twice monthly at the force road safety tasking meeting.

The NHW and CSW Administrators, as part of these meetings, assign enforcement tasks based on an evidence-based approach. The RSEU supports CSW schemes with:

  • conducting borderless site assessments
  • providing education and engagement on speed enforcement
  • implementing evidence-based enforcement activities informed by CSW data

Managing risk

Risk to volunteers, members of the public and drivers is managed in a number of different ways. These include:

Site assessment reports

The Road Safety Enforcement Unit (RSEU) conduct site assessments of all potential Community SpeedWatch locations. They then submit a site assessment within 28 days.

The Force NHW / CSW administrator will review the report, and then the site will be marked as:

  • approved – the scheme can proceed
  • requires recommendations – adjustments must be made before approval
  • rejected – the scheme must find an alternative location

Once a site is approved, a site code will be created and the full assessment details will be sent to the CSW Volunteer Network Lead and scheme coordinator.

A re-assessment will be required if:

  • site conditions change (for example, new roads, housing developments, or altered visibility)
  • the speed limit is altered, even if it is reduced
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

It is mandatory for each volunteer to wear a high-visibility long-sleeved jacket at all times during their training and while conducting roadside sessions.

  • jackets are available in the following sizes: S/M, L/XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL, 6XL
  • caps and beanies: one size fits all

If a new volunteer registers, they will be sent a jacket and a cap or beanie (if requested) via post.

If equipment develops a fault, NALs should complete an equipment fault form and send it to the Community SpeedWatch mailbox.

 

Further guidance

Abuse of our members

Avon and Somerset Constabulary takes any incidents of abuse towards our members very seriously.

If any member feels they have been abused or assaulted while conducting roadside activities, they should immediately report the incident to their Network Area Lead. The Network Area Lead will then inform the Force NHW / CSW Administrator.

The CSW Force Lead will review each case and will contact the affected member as soon as possible to address the situation.

Standards of professional behaviour

All CSW members represent Avon and Somerset Constabulary while participating in the Community SpeedWatch (CSW) scheme. It is crucial that all members maintain professionalism, politeness, and courtesy towards all community members at all times.

Any reports of behaviour falling below these standards will be thoroughly investigated. If necessary, this may result in removal from the scheme. The final decision regarding continued participation will be made by the Avon and Somerset CSW Force Lead.

Data protection

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.

Insurance

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

Further information can be found in the insurance document (2025).

Resources and equipment

Performing Community SpeedWatch duties requires volunteers to familiarise themselves with specific processes and equipment.

For additional road safety resources, such as a Speed Indicator Device (SID), an application can be submitted through the Police Community Trust Road Safety Fund and the local council.

For recruitment materials, such as posters and postcards, volunteers should email their Network Area Lead.

Scheme box

Each new Community Speed Watch (CSW) scheme will receive a scheme box containing the following items:

  • handheld device
  • audio machine
  • stationery set (two pens and two highlighters)
  • click counter
  • clipboard
  • pack of input forms (150)
  • public information cards (25)
  • batteries appropriate to the handheld device, including AAA batteries for the Pocket Radar Classic and C Cell batteries for the Bushnell Velocity

Additional equipment boxes can be requested and will be delivered by the volunteer driver scheme within Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Speed monitoring: threshold speed limits and warning letters

The speed thresholds for CSW are set with consideration of the NPCC speed enforcement guidance and factor in that the devices used for the speed detection are radar, not laser.

All schemes will monitor traffic and report where the following threshold limit criteria are met:

  • if the speed limit is 20 mph, vehicles travelling at or above 25 mph
  • if the speed limit is 30 mph, vehicles travelling at or above 36 mph
  • if the speed limit is 40 mph, vehicles travelling at or above 47 mph

CSW operates the tolerance rule of 10% + 3 reporting.

Warning letters

Avon and Somerset Police will issue an educational warning letter (PDF) to a driver detected at or above the threshold limits, as listed above.

Where a driver is observed as a high-end speeder, they will be sent an alternative letter (PDF)
highlighting the increased risks of excess speed.

This letter is triggered at the following speeds:

  • 20 mph – 32 mph and above
  • 30 mph – 43 mph and above
  • 40 mph – 54 mph and above

Both repeat and high-end speeding offenders can be identified by the force NHW and CSW administrator.

Regardless of speed, a letter should be sent out.

Home visits

If a vehicle has been recorded as exceeding the speed limit on three or more occasions, a member of the local Neighbourhood Policing Team will visit the registered keeper and / or the insured party.

Additional information

Documents needed to run a Community SpeedWatch scheme

Landowner’s permission letters are split into the area the property is in:

Contacting an administrator

BANES, South Gloucestershire, and Mendip

Bristol and North Somerset

South Somerset and West Somerset

Neighbourhood Policing Team

Equipment / PPE / Fault Reporting

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