Speeding is a serious issue that affects the safety of our roads and communities. Torbay Council works in partnership with Devon & Cornwall Police and other agencies to address concerns and improve road safety.
Speed enforcement is guided by a data-driven approach, using evidence and statistical analysis to identify high-risk areas. The primary objective is to reduce road collisions and minimise serious injuries through targeted and effective intervention.
Speed Enforcement Cameras
VZSW consider speed camera sites in areas where many speed-related collisions have occurred. Each site is means tested through assessment criteria and is formally reviewed to conclude if a camera is supported or not. Currently, there are nine fixed speed camera sites in operation across the area. These locations are regularly reviewed, and additional sites may be proposed in response to emerging concerns or collision data, as part of our ongoing commitment to reducing road deaths and serious collisions to zero by 2040.
Community Speed Watch
Speed Watch is a scheme that empowers and involves entire communities in our quest to drive down the speeds of vehicles in limits of 40mph and below.
The volunteers report drivers exceeding the speed limit to the police with the aim of educating drivers to slow down. Community Speedwatch does not result in prosecution itself. However, if a persistent speeding driver is identified through the scheme, police can use this evidence to act against them if required. If there is a persistent general speeding issue where highway improvements are required, these will be discussed by the group and Torbay Council Officers. Find out more about Community Speed Watch (CSW).
Vision Zero South West
Vision Zero South West is a collaborative initiative involving multiple organisations across Devon and Cornwall, including Torbay Council. Its goal is to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries by 2040, with an interim target to reduce current figures by 50% by 2030. Find out more about Vision Zero.
THINK!
THINK! provides road safety information for road users.
Their aim is to encourage safer behaviour to reduce the number of people killed and injured on our roads every year. Find out more about THINK!
Reporting Speeding
Speeding concerns are often shared by the wider community. Your first step should be to report it to Torbay Council and SWISCo. Upon receiving a report, Torbay Council and SWISCo will conduct an initial assessment. This may include.
To ensure the most effective use of available resources, we prioritise interventions based on evidence-led criteria, including
- Recorded injury collision statistics,
- Speed data, including covert speed monitoring
- Alignment with the Local Transport Plan.
If concerns are substantiated, they will be referred to the Devon and Cornwall SCARF (Speed Compliance Action Review Forum) and the Speed Enforcement Group (SEG) for further consideration. These forums evaluate whether enforcement action is appropriate.
Outcomes may include:
- No further action
- Speed Monitoring (Vehicle Activated Signs)
- Community Speed Watch
- Police Enforcement Measures
- Possible engineering changes