Keen cop is tracking down speedy drivers
Last updated 11:59, Monday, 07 April 2008
AN EAGER police community support officer is proving there is no escape for speeding motorists on a Carlisle estate – by taking the law to their doorstep.
Angela Busby is so determined to clampdown on dangerous driving that she makes it her mission to track down every law-breaking motorist who races past her.
That means taking down registration numbers, tracing vehicle owners, then going to their house to highlight the potentially lethal consequences of their actions.
She has already been to the homes of several speedy drivers to warn them that their number has been noted and they could face a fine if they are caught again.
It is a method which is winning support on the Carleton estate, where speeding is becoming a major concern for residents.
PSCO Busby said: “I have been patrolling the estate for about 10 months and have seen too many speeding vehicles. I have attended various parish and local meetings and most residents have shown their concerns towards this issue.
“Now I have began to take down registration numbers, do a PNC (Police National Computer) check, visit them and have a few words. The first visit is a strong warning. I ask them if they know the speed limit and explain the community impact should anything happen and a child, pet or elderly person be attempting to cross the road.”
After tracing the driver, PSCO Busby warns them of the dangers of reckless driving, especially in an area where there are a lot of young children playing.
She added: “The visits have proved to be quite positive. They are usually very apologetic. Tackling speeding is a job for the whole community, not just the police. With the public’s help, these people can be identified and targeted.”
Among particular areas where speeding is a concern at Carleton is Garlands and Cumwhinton Roads. Most of the estate is covered by speed limits of 20 or 30mph.
PCSO Busby, who believes she and her colleagues are ideally placed to help spot speeding motorists because they are on the streets for up to seven hours every day, is hoping to soon get traffic police officers to spend time in the area to back up her efforts.
And it is not just motorists who live on her beat who could expect a call for speeding. If she finds they live outside the area, she passes on their details to PCSOs covering that patch, who may also call.
With the support officers sharing ideas about how they work, the doorstep calls are a method which could well be rolled out across other parts of Cumbria.
PCSO Busby urged anyone with concerns about speeding in their area to contact police on 0845 3300247.
CStory@cngroup.co.uk
Her opinion does not have to be tested in court - and I am sure that the drivers she visits will KNOW that they were not driving safely (above the limit or not).
Thus there is a potential offence of driving without due care, and her
use of the PNC is justified.
The local residents seem to think so.
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The more self centred the speeder the less they'll like it.
Posted by Malcolm on 19 April 2008 kl. 09:22