Community Speed Watch Sends Clear Message To Speeding Drivers In Rutland
Hundreds of motorists have been officially cautioned as the 2025 Community Speed Watch scheme draws to a close, sending a firm reminder that speeding will not be tolerated in the county’s rural villages.
The initiative, a joint effort between Rutland County Council, Leicestershire Police, and the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership (LLRRSP), resulted in a total of 638 letters of caution being issued to drivers this year.
Throughout 2025, dedicated volunteers took to the roadside in five key locations to monitor traffic and record those flouting local limits:
Equipped with specialised training and monitoring gear, these residents submitted vehicle details directly to the police, who then issued warning letters to the registered keepers. These letters serve as a formal advisory, highlighting the dangers of speeding and the distress it causes within local communities.
Despite the success of the monitoring, officials expressed concern over the high volume of offences. Jonathan Clarkson, spokesperson for the LLRRSP, commented “While we are incredibly grateful to Community Speed Watch volunteers for their continued commitment, it remains disappointing that so many drivers continue to exceed speed limits in Rutland’s communities. Excessive speed significantly increases the risk of death and serious injury and has a negative impact on quality of life in our rural villages.”
The impact of the scheme extends beyond the letters sent. Councillor Christine Wise, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Environment and Communities, explained that the data collected by volunteers is vital for future planning. "What we hear from local volunteers helps us decide where further action is needed, including where Speed Indicator Devices are installed as part of Phase 2 of our road safety upgrade programme," Cllr Wise said. "This data can be vital in targeting our limited resources and having the most impact on reducing excessive speed."
While the 2025 scheme has concluded, the LLRRSP has confirmed that police presence on Rutland’s roads will remain high. Officers will continue to target not only speeding but also mobile phone use, seatbelt offences, and drink or drug driving as seasonal road conditions change.
Rutland County Council has extended its thanks to all parish volunteers for their dedication to making the county's roads safer.
Want to get involved?
Communities interested in participating in the 2026 Community Speed Watch activity are encouraged to contact the Rutland County Council Transport Team at transport@rutland.gov.uk.
