HATFIELD BROAD OAK SPEED WATCH

Villagers in Hatfield Broad Oak have been very concerned about the very high traffic levels through the village, including articulated lorries. As a result a Community Speed Watch group was set up last July. The group works closely with Essex Police who have provided them with a speed camera. They both record information on speeding motorists which is sent to Essex police and also conduct traffic censuses. In a typical hour Community Speed Watch records about 400 vehicles travelling through the village of which about 24 are seriously breaking the speed limit. Warning letters from the police have been sent to 219 drivers so far. This has also led to increased traffic police activity targeting speeding drivers through the village. The Police have issued numerous warnings, tickets and fines. They typically issue 3 penalty points and a £60 fine.

Essex Police tell us that the Hatfield Broad Oak Community Speed Watch group, along with the one at Takeley, have been two of the most successful groups in Essex . However, we are always looking for extra volunteers. We have the camera for two weeks in every month so just one or two hours a month could make an important contribution to road safety in the village. We usually work in groups of three or four and full training (which is quite straightforward) is given. Why don't you join? Just contact David Smith on 01279 718482 or email: davidsmithhbo@hotmail.com .

A further Speed Watch group at Hatfield Heath is planned so that the B183 will eventually be covered throughout the length of the three villages which it is hoped will seriously curtail the volume of traffic.

The campaign has had successes already. The Parish Council and Essex Highways have erected a flashing speed limit sign in Feathers Hill and have requested the installation of a second one in Dunmow Road . The 30 mile speed limit sign in Hammonds Road has also been moved to a more sensible position. Even the village primary school children have been active in conducting their own traffic survey.

“Villagers are determined to deal with excessive and speeding traffic which threatens the safety of all villagers."

David Smith, co-ordinator of Hatfield Broad Oak Community Speed Watch.

SEE THE LATEST REPORT FROM SPEEDWATCH - THE ESSEX POLICE TRAFFIC SURVEY