NEW speed cameras will soon be rolled out across Dorset’s roads.
Auto speed watch cameras work in the same way community speed watch volunteers do to catch motorists driving quickly.
The force has bought 12 new cameras which will work by capturing speeding vehicle registration plates and sending a warning letter to the speeders.
However, like those caught by community speed watch volunteers, if the vehicle is caught a second time speeding, the driver will face official police action.
Dorset’s police and crime commissioner David Sidwick said: “Road safety is a hugely important issue, when you decide to get in a car and speed you are putting your own and others' lives at risk.
“In Dorset, our community speed watch teams are a valuable asset that provide critical support in protecting our communities and decreasing casualties on our roads.
“These new cameras come as a direct result of Dorset residents telling me they want more done about speeding in their villages.
“Assuming this pilot is successful I will be looking to working with partners to extend the scheme across Dorset as widely as possible.”
Mark Armstrong, head of road safety at Dorset Police added: “Speed is one of the main factors in fatal road accidents, and an ongoing concern for many of our communities.
“This investment in this new technology will make it easier for us to identify those breaking the law and help to reduce the number of collisions on our roads.”
Community speed watch is run through Dorset Police and provides an opportunity for volunteers to work within their community to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding.
Teams use radar detection devices to monitor drivers exceeding the speed limit at locations agreed with Dorset Police.
Volunteers are required to record the vehicle details and pass these to the force for their vehicle and driver information to be checked before a warning letter is issued.
Last year, the police revoked 884 offences clocked by the average speed cameras on the A338 southbound between Blackwater junction and the Cooper Dean roundabout.
Dorset Police said the fault affected drivers who were travelling on the stretch of the Spur Road between November 7 and December 16.
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