Community Speed Watch
Community Speed Watch (CSW) is a volunteer-led initiative run by Northamptonshire Police in partnership with the Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance. The programme empowers local residents to take an active role in improving road safety by helping to reduce speeding in their communities.
How It Works
Volunteer groups receive online training and equipment to carry out roadside speed monitoring in their local area. These activities take place between March and October, during daylight hours only, and at times chosen by the group based on local concerns.
Drivers detected speeding by CSW volunteers receive a police warning letter, and their details are retained for 12 months to help identify repeat offenders. Any driver recorded three or more times will receive a personal visit from police officers.
The programme currently supports hundreds of volunteers across more than 60 communities in Northamptonshire, monitoring speeds in 20mph, 30mph, and 40mph zones.
Please note: CSW focuses solely on excess speed. It does not address other traffic offences such as driving without insurance, using a mobile phone, or vehicle weight violations.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for CSW, communities must demonstrate local support for the scheme. This is typically provided through:
- A letter of support from the parish or town council,
Any supporting council must also commit to publicising the upcoming CSW activity within the community.
To participate, each community must have:
- One co-ordinator
- A minimum of six volunteers (fewer may be accepted on a case-by-case basis)
- Formal support from the parish or town council
These requirements must be met before a place in the programme can be allocated.
Roles within CSW
Co-ordinator
Serves as the main point of contact with Northamptonshire Police. Responsibilities include:
- Organising the patrol timetable and organising the email returns
- Managing volunteer details
- Coordinating equipment delivery and collection
- Participating in roadside monitoring sessions
Volunteer
Works alongside other trained residents during roadside sessions, using speed detection equipment and recording details of speeding vehicles in line with the training provided.
Training and Insurance
All volunteers must complete a digital training session, which includes practical and operational guidance. Training is delivered via an online video, and once completed, volunteers are covered by public liability insurance while participating in CSW activities.
How to apply
For more information or to apply to join Community Speed Watch, please contact us at: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone aged 18 or over who lives in a participating community and has the support of their parish or town council can volunteer. No prior experience is needed — full training is provided.
No. CSW volunteers do not have enforcement powers. Their role is to monitor and record speeding vehicles using approved equipment. Offending drivers are then contacted by letter from Northamptonshire Police.
Drivers recorded exceeding the speed limit receive a warning letter from Northamptonshire Police. If a driver is recorded speeding three or more times within a 12-month period, they may receive a personal visit from police officers.
No. Roadside monitoring takes place between March and October, during daylight hours only.
CSW operates in areas with 20mph, 30mph, and 40mph speed limits.
No. CSW focuses solely on excess speed. Other traffic offences are not recorded or reported by CSW volunteers.
Yes. Once trained, volunteers are covered by a form of public liability insurance while participating in CSW activities.
Training is delivered via an online video and typically takes around 30 minutes to complete. It covers equipment use, safety procedures, and data recording.
Possibly. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, but a minimum of six volunteers is preferred to ensure safe and effective operation.
Email [email protected] with your expression of interest. Be sure to include evidence of local support, such as a letter from your parish or town council. Please note that the only cost to the community will be for the initial cost of the equipment this will be explained further once a group applies and some funding is available to help with this form the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime commissioner’s office.