Test reveals a third of drivers on problem stretch of road breaking the speed limit

A speedwatch organised by a community group has shone yet more light on an ongoing speeding problem in the Oakley Green area.

The speed watch scheme allows trained volunteers to record vehicle speeds and gather evidence of problem areas.

It involves using a ‘speed gun’, also known as a ‘radar gun’ to record the speed of passing cars. This data can help demonstrate speeding issues in the area – and potential need for enforcement.

The Oakley Green and Fifield District and Community Association (OGAFCA) has been campaigning for years to have the speed limit on Oakley Green Road reduced. It is currently 40mph.

Residents have been raising their concerns about the increased speed and high volume of traffic through the village.

Alison Brayshaw, one of the organisers of the speedwatch, said: “The speed of traffic on Oakley Green Road has been putting the safety of other drivers and pedestrians at risk, as well as vulnerable road users such as cyclists and horse riders.

“The pavements along the road are narrow and busy, particularly during term time, and the road has many blind spots.”

Across one hour, volunteers monitored 227 vehicles travelling through the village. Despite the visible presence of the group, along with cyclists who slowed traffic at times, 37 per cent of vehicles were recorded exceeding the 40mph speed limit.

The teams were made up of four volunteers using a radar gun to collect speed data and deter speeding motorists.

The exercise, carried out earlier this week, followed repeated concerns from residents about drivers ignoring the 40mph limit on a well-used stretch of road.

Alison said the community are ‘very disappointed’ that the speed limit on the Oakley Green Road has not yet been lowered, and feel strongly that the road ‘needs to be made safer for all users and those living in the village.’