Ashford Town - My Neighbourhood - Surrey Police

Update: 14/06/2010 15:54:46

Driver ALERT scheme
The local SNT conducted an initiative immediately outside Ashford Police office in Church Road, Ashford, throughout the morning of Monday 14th June 2010 which proved successful with several vehicles stopped and the drivers spoken with. The Driver ALERT scheme has been running for some time on the Roads Policing Unit and has been used as an effective tool to educate offenders as a replacement to prosecution and other warnings (such as fixed penalty notices).
The Driver ALERT scheme covers a number of offences including speeding, seat belts, construction and use, mobile phones, lack of concentration, and anti social use of conveyance. The Driver ALERT scheme highlights the potential consequences of the offence for which the driver has been stopped, in a very graphic way, showing photographs of real situations (road traffic collisions) dealt with by Surrey Police. The visual impact is designed to shock drivers into revising their current thoughts on driver safety.
A driver spoke with stated that, 'It has made me think harder about what could happen if I were to do it again. I think that it is a positive idea and proves that it's not all about generating money.'

Drive SMART
One of the issues continually raised at our Neighbourhood Panel meetings is that of parking on the streets of Ashford.

The Drive SMART campaign (currently operating throughout the county) aims to educate drivers on how to keep Surrey’s roads safe and crack down on people who drive in a selfish manner. Park SMART is part of this campaign and aims to inform motorists about current parking regulations and encourage sensible parking.
By respecting the Park SMART principles you will help to reduce inconsiderate and dangerous parking which causes all sorts of problems, including the obstruction of emergency service vehicles attempting to reach the scene of a fire or an accident.
The Traffic Management Act has made parking enforcement more transparent to motorists. With a few exceptions, enforcement of the parking regulations is the responsibility of Spelthorne Borough Council acting on behalf of Surrey County Council and Penalty Charge Notices are issued by their employed Civil Enforcement Officers.

Here is some clarification on where you cannot park and which agency can assist you should you discover a problem:

Civil Enforcement Officers can issue Penalty Charge Notices in any of the following situations:

On double yellow and single lines (during controlled hours) and in time limited areas where there has been parking for longer than allowed.

On school entrance markings during their hours of operation (check signs)

In street parking and loading bays during their hours of operation (check signs) unless you are displaying a valid permit or loading.

At taxi ranks and bus stops (where parking restrictions apply).

On public highway footways and verges where parking restrictions apply.

On pedestrian crossings and their zigzag markings.

In disabled parking bays unless you are entitled and displaying a valid blue disabled badge.

In a bay reserved for permit holders unless displaying a valid permit.

Police officers now have only very limited powers to deal with illegal parking where on-street parking regulations are in force and as such, in most cases any enforcement will be carried out by Civil Enforcement Officers. However, police officers retain powers to act in the following situations:

When normal access is obstructed by an illegally parked vehicle, for example across a driveway or in front of a garage.

When a vehicle is parked on the pavement and causing an actual obstruction in an area where there are no parking restrictions. (NB. Spelthorne Borough Council give guideance that if the user of a double buggy, mobility scooter or wheelchair can still safely seek passage via the pavement then this is deemed acceptable. For example, if a vehicle is parked in line with a lamp post.)

On pedestrian crossings and their zigzag markings.

When a parked vehicle contravenes the double white lines system.

When drivers ignore temporary ‘No waiting’ cones during the course of special events.

When illegal parking occurs on certain high speed roads and clearways on which local authorities have no powers.

When a vehicle is parked in a position deemed to be dangerous by the officer dealing.

Speeding
The local SNT have been out conducting speed enforcement over recent weeks as part of the Drive SMART campaign. We have already spent hours at Parkland Grove, Stanwell Road, Fordbridge Road and Woodthorpe Road. Furthermore, the roads that will be concentrated on over the forthcoming weeks which were nominated at the latest Neighbourhood Panel meeting are Parkland Grove, Clarendon Road and Chesterfield Road.

“You said, we did”: actions taken on your neighbourhood priorities
Anti-social behaviour
Regular high visibility patrols have been conducted in the priority areas at the times suggested by you in order to try and deter potential troublemakers – particularly targeting Ashford’s ongoing problem of anti social behaviour from groups of youths. We have been undertaking covert patrols in unmarked vehicles to witness offences being committed. This has proved successful on a number of occasions.

We have been working with local shops to help them deal with shoplifting. The local SNT take steps to view every incident that occurs within retail premises when captured by CCTV. The SNT's local knowledge of people in the area is often crucial in the investigation process as initial identification has been made by them. Indeed the SNT are working with retailers trying to combat persistent anti-social behaviour issues. The instigators have been pointed out to the local SNT, who have subsequently identified those responsible and where appropriate will conduct home visits to speak with the parents and have also issued banning letters on behalf of targeted stores. This type of behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated as it effects the lives of not only staff members but the customers wishing to use the stores as well.

Take Note.
Please could I urge motorists to remove valuables from vehicles and keep them out of view at all times where ever possible. This is particularly important in relation to satellite navigational systems. Please ensure that you remove all components of the system from the vehicle and wipe clean the circular suction mark left on the inside of the windscreen left by the holding cradle. Vehicles have been broken into when the vehicle has been cleared of any items of value, which suggests that opportunists are ‘trying their luck’ on the off chance that the sat navs will be housed within the vehicle based on the fact that the mark is evident.

Remove it, lock it, don’t give thieves the chance!

Distraction Burglaries
Furthermore, there has been an increase in distraction burglaries of late throughout the Spelthorne area. Be wary of unannounced traders making enquiries and asking to enter your premises if this has not been previously arranged. Remember these people often appear genuine and are very persuasive, it is their chosen profession so it pays them to be convincing in order to gain the trust of their potential victims.
Common wordage used to initiate entry have included, water board/ next door neighbours washing machine etc.

Please bear this advice in mind and remain vigilant.

Our advice would be if you have any reservations, keep them out the premises.

Written by FIN: 3495