Speed Watch

Speed Watch is an ICBC sponsored educational program aimed at reducing incidents of speeding. This program not only provides awareness to drivers who are speeding, but it also provides valuable data to the RCMP and ICBC on areas where speeding is a significant problem.

Speed watch volunteer

How does Speed Watch work?

Speed Watch checks are operated by dedicated volunteers who have been trained by the police or qualified operators. Using portable radar equipment and an electronic digital board, volunteers monitor speeds in school and playground zones, high crash zones, and neighbourhood streets. Volunteers record the speed of vehicles and forward these reports to police and ICBC. Areas with high incidents of speeding will be considered for future RCMP enforcement.

Speed Watch program can be expanded to include distracted driving campaigns.

Does Speed Watch help?  

Research has shown that Speed Watch does work. Over 70 percent of drivers travelling 10km/h over the speed limit slow down when they see a speed reader board.

The Dangers of Speeding

Speed is the leading cause of all motor vehicle accidents in British Columbia every year and is responsible for many deaths.

The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop. It takes 18 meters to come to a complete stop when driving 30km/h (on a dry, paved surface), but more than double that distance, 37 meters, when driving at 50km/h. At 120 km/h, a vehicle will travel the length of a football field before stopping completely.

Interested in Volunteering?

Williams Lake Speed Watch Program

image of a speed reader board

Our team is operated by a small group of volunteers who regularly set up within the city limits to monitor speeds and create awareness.

The program is funded mainly by the City of Williams lake as well as the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).  The team is well equipped with the necessary equipment.

The main focus of the Speed Watch Program is to operate in school and playground zones within the City of Williams Lake boundaries.

With the focus of increasing the deployment of the Speed Watch Program in these zones, it will enable the RCMP to accurately focus their enforcement in the areas with higher speeds thus creating safe streets, school zones and playground areas.

Should you wish to be involved, please contact the Williams Lake Community Safety Coordinator - 250 392-8701.

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