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East of England Ambulance ServiceEssex County CouncilEssex County Fire & Rescue SeviceEssex PoliceHighways AgencySouthend-on-Sea Borough CouncilThurrock Council

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Community Speedwatch Scheme

JULY/AUGUST 2010 UPDATE
 
Training
 
Training of the neighbourhood trainers is now fully underway, with three training sessions already completed and three more planned. These will be completed by the end of August. A total of 37 officers from across Essex are now trained and available to undertake the refresher and initial training of all CSW volunteers. It is anticipated that CSW groups will commence training from August 2010.
 
A list showing all of the Police Neighbourhood Contacts is being prepared and will shortly be available to view on the Driving Casualties down web page, www.drivingcasualtiesdown.org .
 
Letters To Offenders
 
Two new letters to be sent to those monitored above the speed limit, have now been drafted and are awaiting approval before being introduced. The first letter, sent on the first occasion, is intended to send out a general road safety message to the registered keeper and to encourage more responsible driving. The second is more strongly worded and highlights the fact that Community Speed Watch volunteers are working alongside other bodies including the local authority and the police to reduce casualties on our roads. It also advises that their details have been forwarded to the local Neighbourhood Team and Road Policing Officers for possible enforcement.
 
Equipment
 
The equipment database is being updated and where necessary new supplies and replacements are being purchased to ensure that once trained new groups have access to the appropriate equipment.
 
Centralised Database
 
Although originally expected to be operational by the end of June, due to technical reasons a small delay has occurred and the new database is now expected to be available in August.
 
Insurance Cover
 
The insurance company used by Essex Police to cover the CSW volunteers is required to identify the number of volunteers who are 75+ years in age. This detail is required so that those over 75 are not disadvantaged and can receive the same benefits as those younger members of the scheme should it be necessary. Therefore all groups should have received a communication requesting this information. If you have not received this could you let your local contact or the Community Speedwatch Co-ordinator, at Billericay know how many over 75 years of age are in your group.
 
General Update
 
Since the last newsletter there has been significant publicity on the future of Public Service finances and the Government’s support for more direct involvement by local communities. Essex Police views the CSW programme as an excellent example of partnership working and community engagement.  Whilst there will be ongoing pressure on future funding Essex Police remains fully committed to this important activity.