Avon and Somerset Police are introducing unmarked road safety enforcement vans this week, and Wells is one of the areas set to see increased monitoring.

This initiative comes in response to community reports, local speedwatch schemes, and data identifying speeding as a recurring issue in Wells.

The unmarked vans are part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing serious collisions and promoting safe driving behaviours. Equipped with 360-degree cameras, long-range detection technology, and infrared capabilities for night-time enforcement, the vans will not only detect speeding but also other offences such as failure to wear a seatbelt or using a mobile phone while driving.

Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman, Head of Roads Policing and Road Safety, said: "The use of unmarked speed detection vans is not about catching people out; it's about protecting lives. Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injury collisions, and we are committed to using every tool at our disposal to address this."

In 2023, 63 people lost their lives in 55 collisions across Avon and Somerset, underscoring the need for effective traffic enforcement. The unmarked vans are designed to keep motorists guessing, deterring dangerous driving across the area.

With evidence from local data and speedwatch schemes, Wells is likely to see increased enforcement efforts to ensure road safety.