Unmarked road safety enforcement vans to tackle persistent speeding
Unmarked road safety enforcement vans are being introduced this week to address “persistent speeding issues” in targeted locations across the Avon and Somerset force area.
The initiative follows extensive evidence gathered from community reports, Community Speedwatch schemes, and collision data, highlighting areas where excess speed is a recurring problem.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary said the aim is to deter speeding and prevent serious collisions by encouraging consistent safe driving behaviours.
In addition to detecting speeding offences, the new vans are equipped with 360-degree cameras and long-range detection technology capable of identifying other road traffic offences, including failure to wear a seatbelt and using a handheld device while driving.
The vans also feature infrared capabilities for night-time enforcement and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology.
The force said the deployment of unmarked vans is part of a broader strategy focused on changing driver behaviour and addressing the ‘Fatal Five’ offences: speeding, drink/drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, careless driving, and using a mobile phone at the wheel.
“Unlike marked enforcement vehicles, unmarked vans are designed to encourage drivers to maintain safe speeds at all times, not just when enforcement is visible,” it added.
Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman, head of Roads Policing and Road Safety, said, “The use of unmarked speed detection vans is not about catching people out; it’s about protecting lives. Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injury collisions, and we are committed to using every tool at our disposal to address this.
“The introduction of unmarked road safety enforcement vans represents a significant step forward in our commitment to reducing road fatalities and serious injuries.
“We urge all motorists to adhere to speed limits and recognise that road safety is a collective responsibility.”
Avon and Somerset Constabulary said despite regular enforcement efforts, speeding remains a persistent issue in certain areas.
“Drivers often slow down when they see marked enforcement vehicles, only to resume speeding once they are out of sight,” the force said.
“Unmarked vans encourage safe driving consistently, as drivers will be less certain of when and where they are being monitored.”