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Coxheath villagers win campaign to install speed camera

A mobile speed camera will be introduced to Coxheath following a campaign from villagers to stop drivers roaring through the village.

So far this year 674 vehicles have been found going over the village’s 30mph limit by its Speedwatch group.

In addition 103 letters of advice have been issued to drivers who have clocked up significant speeds.

Nigel Flint, Coxheath Speedwatch co-ordinator, said exact speeds recorded were not yet available.

The group now has agreement from the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership Co-operation for a site for the new camera unit.

Sue Weston, the partnership’s manager, went out to assess a suitable location on Monday and confirmed enforcement would take place for a year.

Mr Flint was instrumental in securing the camera and joined Ms Weston to discuss locations. He added: “The group is pleased the camera van is coming as we are fully aware of some drivers’ speeds.

“Speedwatch is about educating drivers with regards to their speeds, all details are kept on the police database for 12 months.”

Speedwatch was set up in June 2015. In its first six months 416 vehicles were found speeding. One of those drivers was found at 72mph.

Tony Monk, 70, who initially set up the initiative, welcomed the move for a camera and said the volunteer organisation was doing a sterling job.

The mobile camera is the latest in a number of moves to encourage safer driving and Coxheath has seen several schemes over the years.

In 2009 Kent County Council placed a series of build-outs in the village as part of a £125,000 traffic calming scheme, which were hugely unpopular.

Several were later removed to help the flow of traffic, but two were left at the approaches to the village. A new zebra crossing was also installed.

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