Avon and Somerset Police are introducing unmarked road safety enforcement vans this week to tackle persistent speeding in areas including Glastonbury and Street. This initiative is in response to community reports, local speedwatch schemes, and data showing speeding as a recurring issue in these areas.

The unmarked vans are part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing serious collisions and encouraging safe driving behaviours. Equipped with 360-degree cameras, long-range detection technology, and infrared capabilities for night-time enforcement, the vans will not only detect speeding but also other offences such as failure to wear a seatbelt or using a mobile phone while driving.

Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman, Head of Roads Policing and Road Safety, explained the purpose behind the new initiative: "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."

In 2023, 63 people lost their lives in 55 collisions across Avon and Somerset, highlighting the importance of effective traffic enforcement in reducing preventable deaths. The new unmarked vans aim to deter dangerous driving by ensuring motorists remain uncertain about when and where enforcement is taking place.

The introduction of these vans is expected to improve road safety across the force area, with locations being chosen based on past incidents, community feedback, and data from speed enforcement and local speedwatch schemes. Both Glastonbury and Street are likely to see increased enforcement efforts as part of this initiative.