A determined husband and wife duo in Cross-in-Hand, East Sussex, has recorded more than 100 speeding motorists using community speed monitoring equipment following a tragic fatal crash right outside their home.
Matt and Sarah Jones launched the Cross-in-Hand Community Speedwatch group in September 2025 alongside Councillor Naz Mian. Frustrated by persistent speeding on the local roads, the couple dedicates weekly hours to tracking vehicles in the 30mph zone. Offenders receive advisory letters urging them to slow down, rather than facing immediate fines or points.
Fatal Crashes Motivate Local Action
The initiative gained urgency after a devastating accident in October 2024, when a northbound truck collided head-on with a black Ford Focus on the A267. The 32-year-old driver of the Ford died at the scene.
This incident echoed a prior tragedy on September 9, 2017, where David Evans, 55, and his wife Linda, 48, lost their lives in a collision with a drink-driver along the same stretch of road. The area has become notorious for accidents, with excessive speed identified as a primary factor.
Impressive Results from Community Vigilance
In just months, the group has monitored over 3,000 vehicles, identifying more than 100 speeders—the fastest clocked at 50mph in the 30mph limit. They have also spotted drivers without insurance or tax.
Sarah Jones, a 47-year-old PR consultant, explained their drive: “It’s in my heart to make this road safer. We both pop out for sessions weekly, sometimes together. The fact we have the time as a couple makes it the least we can do, and it feels great working with the parish council.”
She noted challenges: “Often drivers make unpleasant rude hand gestures through the window because we are there. A lot don’t know they’ve been caught, but it hasn’t stopped us.”
Matt Jones, 51, a company director, added: “We’re doing this together for the community to raise awareness. I enjoy it—it’s not much hassle, just half an hour. Since starting, I’ve become more aware of my own driving.”
The group operates with equipment provided by Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council, including speed guns, high-visibility gear, and documentation tools, backed by Sussex Police.
Proven Impact and Call for Volunteers
Sarah highlighted success rates: “95 percent of drivers receiving a community speedwatch letter don’t reoffend for the next 12 months. It’s a warning, not a fine—people see us and slow down.”
The road safety campaign stems from Sarah’s earlier A267 Road Safety Campaign, aimed at reducing risks between Mayfield Roundabout and Horam. Matt emphasized: “Where we live is an accident hotspot. Speed is the enemy, and most crashes here stem from excess speed.”
The trio continues weekly sessions, warmly received by locals, and now seeks more volunteers. Sarah stated: “The more people in the team, the more we can do. We’re determined to continue—it’s vital where police numbers are stretched and no fixed cameras exist. Community-level action highlights road safety needs effectively.”
Inspector Vicki Rees of Sussex Police commented: “Every year in Sussex, more than 40 people lose their lives on our roads, and over 1,000 suffer serious injuries.”
