Couple Endures Abuse While Operating Village Speed Camera in East Sussex
In the quiet village of Cross-in-Hand, East Sussex, a dedicated husband and wife team has taken road safety into their own hands, but their efforts have been met with hostility from some motorists. Matt and Sarah Jones, frustrated by the persistent problem of speeding drivers on their local roads, have partnered with Councillor Naz Mian to launch the Cross-in-Hand Community Speedwatch program. Since its inception in September 2025, this grassroots initiative has successfully identified over 100 vehicles exceeding the speed limit on the A267, a road notorious for accidents.
Community-Led Enforcement Without Penalty Points
Unlike traditional speed cameras operated by police, this community-based approach does not result in penalty points on licenses. Instead, drivers caught speeding receive advisory letters urging them to reduce their speed. According to the couple, this method has proven effective, with approximately 95% of recipients not reoffending within the following year. The highest speed recorded in a 30mph zone was 50mph, highlighting the significant risk posed by reckless driving in residential areas.
Sarah Jones, a 47-year-old PR consultant, explained their motivation: "We are both lucky enough to pop out and do this session between us weekly and sometimes together. It's in my heart to make this road safer. The fact that we have the time to do this as a couple is the least we can do, and it feels great that we can work with the parish council."
Facing Hostility While Promoting Safety
Despite the positive impact, the volunteers often encounter unpleasant reactions from drivers. Sarah reported that many motorists make "unpleasant rude hand gestures" through their windows when they spot the speed watch group. This abuse has not deterred the couple, who remain committed to their cause. Matt Jones, 51, a company director, emphasized the community aspect of their work: "It is something that we are doing together for the community to raise awareness. I am just doing my little bit to support her. I enjoy doing it – it's not too much of a hassle. You do it for half an hour, and it doesn't take much of your day."
Background and Equipment Support
The initiative operates with the support of Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council and Sussex Police, which provides essential equipment such as speed guns, high-visibility clothing, and documentation tools. Sarah is also a co-founder of the A267 Road Safety Campaign, which she established after a tragic accident in October 2024 outside her home. In that incident, a truck collided with a black Ford Focus, resulting in the death of a 32-year-old man.
Sarah highlighted the road's dangerous reputation: "The road is notorious for accidents, and speed is a massive problem. One of the things we can do to reduce speed cases was a community speed watching." Matt echoed this concern, noting that their area is a hotspot for accidents, often caused by excessive speed.
Expanding the Effort to Prevent Tragedies
The group is actively seeking more volunteers to join their speed watch sessions, aiming to prevent future tragedies on the A267. Sarah stressed the importance of community action in areas with limited police presence and speed cameras: "People going past the speed limit is an issue across the UK. There might not be a stronger police presence where we are in the country, and no speed cameras around here, so to be able to do it this way is really important. It's a really good way of working on a community level."
Their determination underscores a growing trend of local residents taking proactive steps to enhance road safety, even in the face of adversity. By focusing on education and awareness rather than punishment, the Cross-in-Hand Community Speedwatch serves as a model for other communities grappling with similar issues.
