Scottish Police Want to Arm Residential Vigilantes With Their Own Speed Guns

After that, the groups “are then able to carry out their own checks and report up to police any vehicles driving through over the speed limit. We will write to the registered keepers advising them of their speed and reminding them to obey the speed limits in built up areas,” said Chief Inspector Alan Carson.

There was some opposition. The Labor Councilor believes that “The Scottish Government needs to provide our hard working cops with the resources needed to keep us all safe.” Others think that it’s “ludicrous” that people can enforce speed without the cops around.

Yet, there are people on board with the idea. A green transport spokesperson, Chas Booth, said,

“I warmly welcome moves by the police and council to train volunteers with speed guns. In common with most councillors, there are some speeding blackspots in my ward which despite action, are still causing real concerns. While I recognise that volunteers cannot, and should not, replace fully trained and equipped police officers, they could prove a useful addition to the range of measures to combat dangerous driving. If this initiative prevents one child from being hospitalised – or worse – by a reckless driver, then it will be worth it.”