Speeding Drivers ‘Not Respecting Their Community’, Says Isle Of Wight Councillor

Residents who break the speed limit are “not respecting their community”, an Isle of Wight councillor has said, amid renewed calls for action on speeding in local villages.

Green Party councillor Claire Critchison, who represents Chale, Niton and Shorwell, has urged residents to get involved in neighbourhood speedwatch schemes and wants to see 20mph limits introduced in both Niton and Whitwell village centres.

Speaking at Niton and Whitwell Parish Council last week, she said speeding was the issue most frequently raised by residents.

She said:

“Our options are very limited. The police can’t be there enough – I’ve requested them again to come to Whitwell, Kemming Road and the High Street, and Blackgang Road in Niton. They are three hotspots I get asked for continuously.”

Cllr Critchison added that collecting more Speedwatch data could increase the chances of police intervention.

However, parish councillor Chris Ould raised concerns about public involvement, warning that volunteers could face “abuse” and “confrontation”.

He said an officer recently had to call for backup after stopping drivers in the area.

“They got pretty shirty about being stopped. They were both arrested and taken away.

"The public shouldn’t be subject to that. That’s why people don’t sign up,” he said.

Cllr Critchison said Speedwatch activity can be carried out as frequently as volunteers choose, whether weekly, monthly or a couple of times a year.