Speeding cut outside Swindon school after new signs placed

Speeding outside a Swindon primary school has fallen by 68 per cent following the installation of new road safety signage.

In May, Wiltshire Police joined forces with the community around Queens Drive to raise awareness of persistent speeding outside Holy Cross Junior School after enforcement alone failed to curb the problem.

During 65 enforcement sessions over the past 12 months, an average of 50 drivers were recorded speeding past Holy Cross Junior School during each 20-minute session. In total, 5,149 motorists were found to have exceeded the 30mph speed limit.

Since the new signage was installed, just 16 drivers were caught speeding during a recent 20-minute enforcement session, representing a 68 per cent reduction.

A force spokesperson said: "We don't want to catch people speeding; we want people to use the roads safely. Speed limits are set for a reason and exceeding them is illegal.

"This road is directly outside a busy primary school and is also home to an ambulance station and a day hub supporting vulnerable and homeless adults.

"With so many people regularly using this area, it is vital that motorists take extra care.

"I am cautiously optimistic that the new signage is making a difference, with the latest results showing a significant reduction in the number of drivers speeding outside the school.

"It shows what can be achieved when agencies and the local community work together to tackle a problem. 

"These are encouraging early signs, and I hope we continue to see motorists slowing down and making the area safer for everyone who uses it."

Speed Enforcement Officers tackle elements of the Fatal Five: speeding, mobile phone use, failing to wear a seatbelt, drink and drug driving, and careless or distracted driving. 

Enforcement locations across Wiltshire are selected through risk-based analysis, focusing efforts where the likelihood of serious harm is highest.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "These results are encouraging and show the positive impact that can be achieved when partners and local communities work together to address road safety concerns. 

"Keeping people safe on our roads is a priority within my Police and Crime Plan, particularly outside schools where children and families should be able to travel without being put at unnecessary risk.

"Alongside targeted enforcement by Wiltshire Police, the Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership plays an important role in tackling speeding and improving road safety through education, engagement and preventative measures. 

"This work helps address the root causes of dangerous driving and encourages motorists to make safer choices behind the wheel.”

The new Swindon Borough Council signs monitor approaching vehicles in both directions on Queens Drive and display their speed when a vehicle is detected travelling above the 30mph speed limit.

Cllr Nick Gardiner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “These early results are really encouraging and show the positive impact that targeted road safety measures can have in areas where there are genuine concerns about speeding.

“The safety of children, parents and all road users around Holy Cross School is a priority, which is why we worked closely with Wiltshire Police and the local community to install the new Speed Indicator Device and supporting signage.

“While there is still more work to do to ensure every driver respects the 30mph speed limit, a reduction of 68 per cent in speeding offences is a significant step in the right direction. 

"I would like to thank residents, Headteacher Mrs Dowdeswell and the school, and Wiltshire Police for their support in helping to make this stretch of Queens Drive safer for everyone.”

The new signage outside Holy Cross Junior School has been welcomed by the community. 

Headteacher Sam Dowdeswell said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone involved in making this speed sign a reality. 

"The safety of our pupils is always our highest priority, and anything that helps encourage drivers to reduce their speed and take extra care around our school is very welcome.

"I would especially like to thank everyone who worked together to achieve this – what a great example to our pupils of what can be achieved when we all work together!”  

Wiltshire Police has been working closely with Swindon Borough Council to secure the additional signage and road safety measures following concerns that existing signage was insufficient. 

There have also been reports that some satellite navigation systems incorrectly display the road as a 40mph route, despite the speed limit being reduced to 30mph in 2022.

The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fixed penalty notice and three penalty points on your driving licence.

Drivers who accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period may face disqualification from driving.

People can find out more about speeding and how it can affect drivers here.