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South Newton Parish Council

A letter on speeding from PC John Wyeth

Wiltshire Police

Wylye & Nadder Valley Police Station,

Barford St Martin, Baverstock, Berwick St James, 45a Russell Street,

Compton Chamberlayne, Deptford, Dinton, Druids, Wilton, Salisbury.

Fisherton de la Mere, Great Wishford, Hanging Langford, Wiltshire.

Little Langford, South Newton, Stapleford, Steeple Langford, SP2 0BG

Stoford, Teffont, Winterbourne Stoke, Wylye.

June 2007

A priority for our attention recently has been on speeding. This was agreed at a Neighbourhood Tasking Meeting held at South Newton and attended by members of the community.

As everyone is aware many of the accidents we see on the roads are as a result of excess speed in the wrong place. Usually it is going too fast for the location such as through villages with a speed limit or approaching road hazards such as bends, stationary vehicles, road narrowing or the presence of pedestrians or cyclists.

I’m sure we have all seen examples of where speed is in the wrong place and on most occasions no accident occurs. One day the drivers luck, or the luck of the other road users, will run out. Who will then be to blame? Naturally the speeding driver but also others that condoned the speed, or perhaps yourselves if you knew of someone who drives fast where they should not and could have done something about it. Any speed limit in place is the maximum permitted – it is not a target to aim for.

Speed cameras do there bit but as we all know motorists slow down for the camera and speed up afterwards. Sometimes another camera or a Police Officer with a mobile detection device might be a bit further up the road. This might be unpopular but as we know there is only one person can take the blame.

All Police Officers do random speed checks so they could be anywhere. Points on driving licences can add up very quickly. Some drivers caught speeding can avoid the fine and penalty points if they take part in a Speed Awareness Workshop. There is a fee for the course.

It is also well known those that get caught speeding in villages and on our local main roads are those people that live nearby. No excuse really!

So having read the above please be aware a speed check is coming to an area near you soon. Don’t get caught.

If you know of someone that could do with words of advice about speeding please contact us and give a few details of who they are and what they drive and where they drive too fast. You can also pass such information anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 – tell us what you know, not who you are.

Go careful out there.

PC 421 John Wyeth and PCSO 6113 Tracey Holloway.

We can be contacted at Wilton Police Station by dialling 0845 400 7000 and when prompted dial the extension 747817.

If we do not answer then a message can be left.

If Police involvement is required straightaway then do not leave a message but speak to the attendant.

As always in an emergency dial 999.

We can also be emailed at

john.wyeth@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk or tracey.holloway@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk