The Speed Watch program monitors speeding in specific areas and aims at reducing the incidents of speeding and speed-related crashes by raising public awareness using portable electronic digital boards and radar guns.
The Speed Watch program run by volunteers is designed to raise awareness and reduce speeding in the community.
Data is collected on the volume of vehicles and speeds they are traveling, which is then shared with the local RCMP for targeted enforcement initiatives.
RCMP officers can be deployed to issue warnings or tickets to drivers as needed.
Fort St. James RCMP had the first Speed Watch board set up on Thurs. Jan. 4, 2018 for anyone interested in helping with volunteering for the program to come out and give it a try. The second police organized Speed Watch will happen on Mon. Jan. 22, 2018 and volunteers are welcome again on that date.
The Speed Watch board will be set up on Jan 22. on Highway 27 near the Petro Canada from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Volunteers can park by the covered rink on Naka’zdli and come join in. Volunteers will be provided with high visibility vests to wear and will not be expected to directly interact with the public. Volunteers will be shown how to set up and use the electronic speed board and radar gun. The goal is to be a visible reminder to motorists as to their speeds.
Police officers will be present during the trials with the hopes that the community will take an interest in running the program, setting up the boards in problem areas such as school zones, parks and the downtown core.
“We are not asking for a huge commitment, only a few hours monthly, depending on the interest and enthusiasm of the volunteers,” says Sgt. Poppy Hallam.
