A FRESH clampdown on dangerous drivers has been launched in a bid to improve safety around Harwich and its surrounding villages.

Volunteers are being called on to help tackle speeding drivers in a new community speed watch.

Dave Blackiston is spearheading the scheme, which will be run as part of the new Harwich and District Community Crime Prevention Panel.

It is hoped residents will join up to monitor speeds in hotspot areas across Harwich, Dovercourt, Little and Great Oakley, Ramsey and Parkeston, Wix, Wrabness and Bradfield.

Dave, who spent 41 years as a policeman, said: “The scheme aims to increase drivers’ perception of the risks from speeding and encourage them to slow down reduce collisions and the severity of injuries on local roads improve the quality of life for local communities.

“Having heard many complaints about speeding vehicles I decided that it was time the community got involved.

“I had heard about Community Speed Watch and so I did a presentation to the crime prevention panel and they supported it and adopted it as a panel initiative.

“We are applying for funding and now I need volunteers not only in Harwich but in the surrounding parishes.”

The new scheme comes after safety concerns were raised about speeding near Spring Meadow Primary School in Dovercourt.

Dave added: “Community Speed Watch is an initiative where members of local communities join with the support of the police to monitor speeds of vehicles using speed detection devices.

“Vehicles exceeding the speed limit are referred to the police with the aim of educating drivers to reduce their speeds.

“In cases where education is blatantly ignored and evidence of repeat or excessive offences is collated, enforcement and prosecution follow.

“It is hoped that six parish councils will join the partnership scheme as we strive to make the district safer for other road users.”

The group is looking for volunteers in Harwich, Dovercourt, Little and Great Oakley, Ramsey and Parkeston, Wix, Wrabness and Bradfield.

Dave said: “Speeding is everyone’s problem, not just a small group of pensioners with time to spare.”

To find out more contact Harwich and District Speed Watch co-ordinator, Dave Blackiston at harwichspeedwatch@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page.