MOTORISTS have been clocked driving at up to 54mph as part of an ongoing police campaign to cut speeding through a dale village – and the majority of offenders live locally.
It was launched following complaints from Cockfield Parish Council and residents in the village that the problem had worsened during lockdown.
PC Dave Williamson, the village’s beat officer, and members of the community police team have carried out speed checks in the village on four occasions during recent weeks. PC Williamson said as well as “education and encouragement” to get drivers to slow down, a number of fines and other action had been taken against the worst offenders.
“Some motorists have been encouraged in relation to reducing speeds, others have been dealt with by fixed penalty tickets and one is going to court after going at 54mph,” he said.
“The first time we were out it was mainly education and encouragement but since then we have issued about a dozen fines.
“I think all but two that we have stopped have been local people, either living in the village or nearby – it’s significantly local people.”
PC Williamson said enforcement action would continue in Cockfield, while speed patrols will be carried out in other villages where similar concerns have been expressed.
Cllr Brenda Singleton, chairwoman of Cockfield Parish Council, said she hoped the police action would “have the desired effect” and make motorists stop and think about how fast they are going.
“It’s all about the safety of the village,” she said.
“Since the introduction of lockdown back in March, the problem had been getting worse. A lot have this ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude [in relation to getting caught speeding] and people have been haring through the village. I have seen cars going past us and they must have been doing twice the speed limit. Hopefully this will make them see sense.”
Cllr Singleton added: “Dave Williamson and his team have been doing a marvellous job for us.
“They have made their presence known and a lot of people have stopped to tell us they are pleased to see what is happening.”
