I WOULD like to follow up your article on the front page of the Chew Valley Gazette last month on the problems of dangerous driving, car meets, racing motorcycles, and speeding in the Chew Valley, with further information for our community.

A meeting was held last month with our Community Policing team, an Inspector from the Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) office, representatives from B&NES Highways, Parish Councils, community road safety groups, residents, and the councillors for the Chew Valley and Mendip Wards (myself, Anna Box and Simon McCombe).

The problems are being taken very seriously by Avon and Somerset Police and the PCC. Some of the measures being taken or considered, aside of increased intelligence gathering include- rebuilding Neighbourhood Policing such that that the Chew Valley will soon have a full establishment of staff (four police officers and four PSCO’s) and access to extra Officers from the Neighbourhood Tasking Teams, increased patrols, sending out a Police Officer and a PCSO to assist with local Speedwatch groups, the use of PSPO’s – Public Space Protection Orders and Dispersal Orders. Avon and Somerset Police have also been checking bikes and registrations, insurance status, modifications, and also hope to use the Vehicle Standards Agency to support police operations with spot checks. Regular meetings with Ward Councillors and Sergeant Rob Turner have also been established and will be expanded to include Parish Councillors. A strong plan for spring 2026 is also being developed.

Speed cameras and highways options were also explored. Engineering solutions such as speed bumps were thought to be ineffective or not possible due to the of lack of required street lighting. But options of changing the road appearance with road markings, that can be very effective, are being considered. Speed cameras were thought to be likely ineffective for the prevention of anti-social behaviours due to concealed or cloned number plates.

Residents are urged to report all incidents of anti-social activity, dangerous driving, and intimidation. The more we as a community we report things the better the case for increased resources to tackle the issues.

Please report via:

Calling 999 if the issue is an emergency and attendance is required (the incident is happening at that moment and potentially putting people at harm),

Calling 101 for a non-emergency,

Online at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/anti-social-driving/ for further information and non-urgent reporting.

Dash-cam footage would also be really useful, but be careful about capturing intelligence, do not put oneself in danger or post to social media.

Finally, to help address the more general problem of speeding through our villages the Speed Camera Police motorbike has recorded 860 speeding offences in the Chew Valley in the last 3 months, and patrols are being stepped up further.

Dr David Harding

Liberal Democrat ward councillor for Chew Valley