How Mirfield residents can carry out their own speed checks

Residents have been told they can carry out speed gun checks on their own streets.
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Residents in Hopton Lane, Mirfield, launched a 500-signature petition during lockdown calling for traffic calming measures to slow speeding drivers.

Sgt Shaun Oates and officers from the Dewsbury & Mirfield Neighbourhood Policing Team held ‘contact points’ in Hopton Lane and Sunnybank Road, Mirfield, inviting local residents to operate the police pro-laser speed check device.

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Residents were told of a new Community Speed Watch initiative, similar to Neighbourhood Watch, where members of the public can set up their own group to monitor and check vehicle speeds.

Speed checks being carried out in MirfieldSpeed checks being carried out in Mirfield
Speed checks being carried out in Mirfield

Organised community groups can buy their own hand-held device - costing around £500 - and check traffic speeds, provided they carry out risk assessments and adhere to health and safety measures.

Members of the public are encouraged to gather evidence and can also submit mobile phone video or dash cam footage to West Yorkshire Police. Videos can be uploaded online and officers assess footage for criminal offences.

The registration numbers of persistent nuisance drivers can also be reported to police by members of the public. Police can then issue warning letters or pursue complaints.

Dewsbury and Mirfield Tory MP Mark Eastwood has also supported residents in Hopton Lane and Sunnybank Road and has lobbied West Yorkshire’s Chief Constable John Robins.