Road Safety

Road safety is one the main concerns of residents in the area.  The top issues being speeding and parking on pavements.

We work closely with the Speed Enforcement Unit, who use mobile camera vans and motorcycles to detect and deter people speeding at key locations.  We also have several active Community SpeedWatch (CSW) schemes in the villages.

Community SpeedWatch is a partnership between the Community, the Police and Local Authorities. It gives local people the ability to actively get involved in road safety.  Follow this link for more information, including details of how to get involved – Community SpeedWatch | Avon and Somerset Police

Parking on pavements and footways/paths is illegal.  It causes an obstruction, often forcing pedestrians into the road, which puts them at risk from traffic.  The team are monitoring particular problem locations, with penalty notices being issued where necessary.  If a vehicle is causing a serious obstruction it will be removed by one of our recovery contractors.

Actions

• 16 June 2024
  

  This is an ongoing priority.

  Our officers have recently seized a vehicle for having no MOT or insurance and reported the driver for these offences.  They will appear in court in due course and are likely to be fined and receive points on their driving licence.

   

• 10 February 2024
  

  Following reports of a group of motorbikes being ridden antisocially and at high speed on the B3114 at Herons Green Bay, Chew Stoke, neighbourhood officers attended, resulting in the riders being given a warning and moved on from the area.

  High visibility patrols with marked police vehicles are regularly conducted on the roads around Chew Valley Lake to disrupt any such meetings of vehicles being used in an antisocial manner.

  Where necessary officers will also use powers under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.  This will usually be a written warning issued to drivers/riders and is valid for 12 months.  If the warning is not adhered to,  the police have a power to seize the vehicle.  This is in addition to prosecution for any offences committed.