Couple's Personal Speed Camera Initiative Nabs Over 100 Offenders
In a determined effort to combat dangerous driving, a husband and wife team have successfully identified more than 100 speeding motorists using their own speed monitoring equipment. Matt and Sarah Jones launched their community speedwatch group in September last year, driven by frustration over repeated traffic violations outside their Cross-in-Hand, East Sussex residence.
Motivation Stemming from Tragedy
The couple's campaign was profoundly influenced by a series of devastating accidents on their doorstep. In October 2024, a fatal collision occurred directly outside their home when a truck collided with a black Ford Focus, resulting in the death of the 32-year-old Ford driver. This incident followed another double fatality on September 9, 2017, when local residents David Evans, 55, and his wife Linda, 48, were killed by a drink-driver on the same stretch of the A267 road.
"It's in my heart to make this road safer," said Sarah Jones, 47, a PR consultant. "The fact we have the time to do this as a couple—it's the least we can do."
Community Collaboration and Methodology
Working alongside councillor Naz Mian, the Joneses have dedicated hours each week to traffic monitoring in their village. Their equipment, including speed guns and high-visibility gear, is provided by Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council, with support from Sussex Police. The initiative operates under the Cross-in-Hand Community Speedwatch group, which emerged from Sarah's earlier A267 Road Safety Campaign.
"Where we live is a hotspot for accidents," explained Matt Jones, 51, a company director. "Speed is your enemy, and most of the accidents around here are because of excess speed."
Remarkable Results and Driver Reactions
In just a few months of operation, the group has monitored over 3,000 vehicles, catching 100 speeding motorists. The highest recorded speed in a 30mph zone was 50mph. Additionally, they have identified drivers operating vehicles without insurance or valid tax.
Offenders receive warning letters rather than penalty points or fines, with Sarah noting that "95 percent of drivers that receive a community speed watch letter don't reoffend for the next 12 months." However, the monitoring hasn't been without confrontation. "Often we have drivers making unpleasant rude hand gestures through the window because we are there," Sarah revealed.
Broader Impact and Future Goals
The initiative has demonstrated significant community value, with the trio welcomed by local residents. Matt described the work as "something that we are doing together for the community to raise awareness," adding that since participating, he has become "way more aware of my driving."
Looking forward, the group aims to recruit more volunteers to expand their coverage. "The more people we have in the team, the more we can do," Sarah emphasized. "People going past the speed limit is an issue across the UK. There might not be stronger police numbers where we are in the country and no speed cameras around here, so to be able to do it this way is really important."
Police Support and Statistical Context
Inspector Vicki Rees of Sussex Police highlighted the broader context: "Every year in Sussex, we know that more than forty people lose their lives on our roads and more than a thousand people are seriously injured." This statistic underscores the critical importance of community-led safety initiatives like the Joneses' speedwatch program.
The couple remains committed to their weekly sessions, viewing their work as a vital contribution to public safety. "It's a really good way of working on a community level," Sarah concluded. "If I can help as a member of society to highlight and raise awareness for the need of road safety, it's been quite interesting."
