A NEW community speed watch campaign to educate drivers about the risks of speeding has been launched in Rayleigh.

The town council is gathering volunteers to create a team which will work closely with Essex Police to help catch more speeding motorists.

James Newport, councillor for Victoria ward, said: “The community speed watch is really about education, to let people know they have been speeding.

“If you are caught speeding, a note is taken of your vehicle, registration and the date you were caught and sent to the police.

“They then send a letter to the driver to notify them of their behaviour.”

Mr Newport said that the campaign is motivated by raising awareness of areas in the town that motorists regularly speed in.

He said: “It is all about making people aware.

“It is all run by Rayleigh Town Council and the volunteers who work on the scheme.

“We have had a number of volunteers join us. It is not the most pleasant of jobs because previously some people have been on the receiving end of abuse from motorists.

“That is more because there is a misunderstanding over what this is actually about.”

Chris Stanley, councillor for Downhall and Rawreth, has also become involved with the speed watch for the past year.

He says that the group are concentrating on areas of high concern during peak times to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians and especially children who are leaving school in the afternoon.

He said: “I think it is extremely important due to the fact we have four schools in close proximity in Rayleigh and it is important we keep speeds down in those areas.

“It seems to be that the working day has changed from 7am to 3pm for when children get out of school and they are the times we should be focusing on.”

Mr Stanley was positive about the scheme which he hopes can educate adults and their children on road safety.

He added: “You will not believe how many people are still using their phones while driving.

“It is just an accident waiting to happen and we need to address that.”

A meeting is taking place between the members of the speed watch this week to begin setting out the roads which they request approval from police to carry out their watches.

Mr Newport said: “Speed kills and the police crime statistics show that on Essex roads. We are not here to cause problems, we are here to work with police and make the town’s roads safer.”

Mr Newport continues to encourage more residents to step forward and join the speed watch.

He said: “More volunteers are required because the more there are of us, the more we can do.”