There are several processes in place to verify the registration of the vehicle recorded as speeding.  Occasionally, a warning letter is sent out in error.  If this proves to be the case, details will be deleted from the database, following internal investigations.  This does not necessarily mean that a vehicle has been cloned.  Contact rps@essex.police.co.uk to advise and quote the reference number at the top of your letter.

No – The CSW scheme is intended to educate drivers, rather than enforce penalties. The vital role of the CSW volunteer is to encourage safe speeds through their local communities.  CSW Warning Letters are issued to educate motorists on the tragic consequences of speeding.

All CSW volunteers undergo training, which is provided by our SERP-approved trainers and are covered by Public Liability Insurance under Essex Police policies.

CSW volunteers do not take photographs or videos of speeding vehicles as part of their monitoring activities.  The scheme relies on recorded data, rather than photographic evidence.

The speed devices used by the majority of the CSW groups have been sourced and approved by Essex Police.  They have also advised calibration is not required for these devices, as they are used purely for educational and not enforcement purposes.  The devices use digital technology to provide instantaneous speed measurements.  The Bushnell instruction leaflet states that the speed of a car can be measured 10mph-200 mph at 1500 feet (16-322 KPH @ 457 metres) to +/- One-Mile per Hour (MPH) accuracy (+/- 2 KPH).

Portable CSW road signs are displayed to warn members of the public that there are volunteers standing at the roadside.  If you did not see any signs displayed, please email the CSW Co-ordinator at community.speedwatch@essex-fire.gov.uk, advising of the date/time and exact location.  However, an exception to this would be if an officer is supporting with enforcement duties.

All volunteers undertaking motorist monitoring activities are required to wear Hi-Viz jackets during their monitoring session, to ensure they are visible and to maximise the educational impact on drivers.

Legitimate CSW groups operate under the governance of Essex Police and follow specific guidelines. They use approved equipment, display portable road warning signs and volunteers wear High-Visibility long-sleeved jackets.  They can also provide a Motorist Roadside letter (if required), which provides more information.

Using community volunteers helps raise awareness about speeding and engage residents in improving road safety.  It also provides valuable data to Essex Police for strategic planning and resource allocation.

The details of speeding vehicles are recorded by CSW volunteers and submitted to Essex Police, who then use this information to identify the registered keeper of the vehicle and send advisory letters.

Volunteers are expected to adhere to strict Codes of Conduct and to maintain a professional approach to monitoring.  If you feel this was not the case, please contact community.speedwatch@essex-fire.gov.uk , providing your full contact details; location of incident; date and time of incident and a brief outline of the nature of your complaint.  This will be fully investigated in due course.