VOLUNTEERS are needed for the Community Speedwatch Scheme in Usk.

The scheme covers Abergavenny Road, Usk following concerns from local residents about the speed of vehicles along this stretch. Each site requires a minimum of seven volunteers to run including a scheme co-ordinator.

This scheme is the fourth Community Speedwatch scheme to launch in Monmouthshire following on from successful schemes in Tintern, Llandogo and Llanfair Kilgeddin.

The scheme is a community led initiative which aims to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding while addressing concerns of local residents about cars speeding through their neighbourhoods.

11 local residents living in the Usk area have signed up to the Community Speedwatch scheme, which trains people to monitor passing vehicles that are driving above the speed limit.

The scheme operates on roads with speed limits of 40 mph or below. Community volunteers are key to the scheme, working alongside Gwent Police officers or Community Support Officers to identify vehicles exceeding the speed limit.

If a vehicle is seen exceeding the speed limit, the registration number will be taken down and verified by the volunteers. The details are then entered onto a database from which a letter is automatically produced informing the registered owner that their vehicle has been noted to have exceeded the speed limit, the dangers of doing so and the consequences if they're found speeding again.

While no prosecutions or penalties are received as a direct result of Speedwatch, if the same registration number is logged three times, more formal action may be taken.

Co-ordinator for the scheme, Emily Godsell, said: "This is a fantastic initiative where local residents are involved, helping to tackle issues in their communities. Speeding is regularly raised as a concern by residents and the additional presence of Community Speedwatch volunteers at the roadside will prove to have a positive effect on getting drivers to slow down in other areas."

Emily added, "The scheme will be rolled out to other areas in Monmouthshire in the future – anyone who would be interested in becoming a speedwatch volunteer should contact me."

To express an interest in becoming a volunteer or to find out more about the role, send an email to