Speeding drivers in Shepton Mallet are being put on notice as police ramp up roadside checks — and urge local residents to join the frontline.

Community SpeedWatch, which officially launched in the town this autumn, is already out targeting problem hotspots, with volunteers and PCSOs carrying out regular speed checks. And police say they want even more people to get involved as concerns about dangerous driving continue to rise.

In the latest update, issued on 26 October, officers said volunteers were "out and about" with neighbourhood PCSOs, working to "raise awareness of speed limits", "encourage responsible driving" and make Shepton's streets safer "for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike".

The local team called the work "vital", especially with residents across the town repeatedly reporting speeding as a top complaint.

A major meeting held on 24 September also underlined the scale of the effort. More than 62 per cent of Shepton's SpeedWatch volunteers turned up — alongside the Chief Constable, the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Speed Reduction Unit and Mendip neighbourhood teams. Police said the event highlighted "positive work" already being done and renewed the push to get more schemes running in the town.

The message from officers is clear: more volunteers are needed, and anyone can take part.

Those signing up only need to spare around 30 minutes once or twice a month, with full training and equipment provided. Volunteers use handheld speed devices to record drivers breaking limits in 20, 30 and 40mph zones. Offenders then receive warning letters — with persistent speeders facing police action.

Police say the partnership between residents and neighbourhood teams is already making a difference, but more eyes on the ground will mean more pressure on drivers who treat Shepton's streets like a racetrack.

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Anyone wanting to join can email: [email protected]

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