A GROUP of volunteers concerned with speeding vehicles in their town have been left frustrated, writing in a letter that ‘action’ is needed to address the problem.

Usk Community Speedwatch Volunteers were so concerned with speeding vehicles that they wrote to Monmouthshire County Council’s Chief Executive Paul Matthews in January of this year, highlighting the excessive speeding they have monitored around the town.

“We are writing this letter because we believe it is time something is done to improve the situation with some urgency,” they wrote. “The impact of Speedwatch volunteers will not last long term and can clearly be seen to have limited effect.”

The group were still waiting for a reply in May and had not received an acknowledgement.

Usk Community Speedwatch formed in June 2015 with the aim of reducing traffic speeds in Usk town. The group has undertaken over 18 Speedwatch sessions and have found consistent speeding of vehicles in a built up area where residents have to cross the road on a regular basis.

The group have recorded 234 vehicles travelling over 35mph or over.

This information has been passed to the police who write letters to the drivers to inform them of their actions and of the need to reduce their speed. 57 cars have been recorded at speeds in excess of 40mph and several vehicles have travelled at speeds in excess of 50mph, and one was recorded at 60mph.

This recorded speeding has taken place with repeater signs showing that it is a Speedwatch area, despite large signs informing drivers that Speedwatch volunteers are operating, and despite volunteers wearing high visibility jackets, in line with Gwent Police guidance and training. Drivers have often been seen warning others of their presence and yet many vehicles continue to excessively speed.

The volunteers are disappointed that there is still a disregard of speed limits in the area and are of the view that further work is necessary to reduce speeding in the longer term. The letter continued: “We are aware that decisions on investment in traffic calming measures are often based on injury or fatality data. However, we must remember that residents in the area (eg. parents) have modified their behaviour owing to the dangers presented within three feet of their gates. Many parents involved with the group do not allow their young children to cross alone and have to supervise them whenever they go out. This shouldn’t be the case and young and old should feel safe to cross their road when carrying out their daily lives.

“Speedwatch sessions last for an average of one hour and have taken place every week since July 2015. During this time, we have gathered evidence of excessive speeding which we believe demonstrates that action is needed to address the problem.”

The letter was passed to the Beacon in May, with Traffic and Network Manager at Monmouthshire County Council Paul Keeble providing the following response: “The council’s monitoring suggests that average speeds are within the current limit – however, upon receiving feedback from the Usk Speedwatch group we have agreed that potential traffic improvements may be considered after further speed monitoring by GoSafely (former Safety Camera Partnership).

“A schedule of planned expenditure for road safety schemes has been forwarded to the group and should the post-monitoring exercise identify a problem further consideration will be given improving the situation.”