Nearly 500 motorists caught by Midhurst speed watch

The Midhurst community speed watch group has sent 461 advisory letters to motorists caught speeding through the town at the beginning of the summer.

During the sixteen sessions, 22 repeat offenders were sent a second letter whilst three drivers received a third. The group also discovered that six of the cars did not have a current MOT test and nine were not taxed.

One vehicle has a 'statutory off-road notification'.

The speed watch group positioned themselves at the junction of The Wharf and Chichester Road, which residents had identified as a “particular concern.”

The road, which already sits in a 20 MPH zone, is used by young children, the elderly – and quite often wildlife commuting from South Pond to the Rother.

The speed watch group also monitored vehicle speeds at other locations around the town.

Reaction on social media from residents was mixed; many applauded the volunteers for their attempts to create safer roads. Others suggested that resources would be well spent on North Street, where pedestrians continue to walk on the road by the Angel Hotel.

In a video posted on social media, West Sussex County Councillor Yvonne Gravely and Chichester District Councillor Dominic Merritt said: “There is increasing concern from residents about quite aggressive high speeds around the centre of Midhurst.

"This scheme is not about catching people out. It’s about education and prevention. It's about helping drivers and road users understand the dangers of speeding in our small towns and villages.”

The speed watch group has the backing of Midhurst Town Council, and it is steered by Sussex Police, who have helped with equipment and training.

The Midhurst Councillors have asked the community for more speed watch volunteers and reassured those interested that the training is straightforward.