A ground-breaking initiative involving local civilian volunteers in a Highland village reporting speeding cars to the police, seems to be working, with the rate of offending reducing by 90 per cent.
Police Scotland and the Ross-shire community of Culbokie's volunteers are noting a reduction in the number of cars speeding.
Eight volunteers work in groups of three wearing high visibility jackets. They monitor cars that trigger the 30mph sign at the south west end of the village on the Black Isle.
They started doing eight hours every fortnight, at peak times. They note down the registration number, speed, date and time of the vehicle clocked over the limit. The data will be collated at the end of the trial period in June.
But the local Ferintosh Community Council chair Bruce Morrison said the impact was obvious already:
"The volunteers are doing a great job, committing themselves to two hours a week of observations over each of the past eight weeks. As the weeks go by, the friendlier the drivers become with waves, smiles and very supportive comments. When the volunteers are there, we're delighted that there's a dramatic reduction in speeding.
"Less than 1 per cent of vehicles are triggering the sign compared with the norm of well over 10%. Only in June though will we find out whether our slower driving behaviour has become normal behaviour. For the peace of minds of all residents, let's hope so.'
Area Inspector Nicola MacKenzie said:
"The Culbokie speedwatch initiative between Ferintosh Community Council and Police Scotland has hopefully been a successful in encouraging drivers to change their behaviour when in and around the village. It is an excellent example of community recognising an issue and working together with police to help keep everyone safe.
"I'm delighted to hear of the positive and encouraging interactions and feedback received by volunteers when they are out and about. Road safety is a top priority for Police Scotland and any initiative that assists us in keeping road users safe is to be welcomed and fully supported. As speed enforcement work remains the sole responsibility for Police Scotland, officers will also continue to carry out targeted speed patrols in the area."
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