ISLANDERS are being encouraged to report anti-social driving incidents to help the States police “target resources where they are needed most” – as the force trialled new camera equipment it hopes will make Jersey’s roads safer.
Chief officer Robin Smith made the comments following a demonstration of the mobile speed camera that arrived in the Island last month.
It can be placed throughout the Island and includes radar technology that helps it monitor the road, with images recorded automatically when it is triggered.
Roads policing lead Insp Lawrence Courtness noted that: “The safety camera has not been brought into the Island to catch people who are just going a couple of miles an hour over the speed limit.
“The reason why it is here is to deal with anti-social driving”.
Mr Smith described the new equipment as “a vital step in making Jersey’s roads safer”.
He said: “It supports the Government’s Collision and Casualty Reduction Plan and SOJP’s commitment to tackling antisocial driving behaviours, including speeding, dangerous, and careless driving.
“This trial demonstrates our openness to adopting innovative technology to improve enforcement and protect lives.”
Mr Smith continued: “It also complements our Get Home Safe campaign and aligns with Road Safety Week, which is an opportunity to bring road safety to the forefront of islanders’ minds, which encourages everyone to make responsible choices on the road.
“We also want our community to report antisocial driving incidents – your information helps us target resources where they are needed most.”
He added: “None of this would have been possible without the help and assistance from Infrastructure and Environment colleagues and the Minister for Infrastructure.
“By working together, we can deliver innovative solutions like the safety camera to make Jersey’s roads safer.
“Collaboration is key to tackle antisocial driving effectively.”
It comes as government has today announced a new initiative delivered in partnership with SOJP that encourages Islanders to plan safer journeys home and support the reduction of drink driving.
The Infrastructure and Environment Department has launched a new “Get Home Safe” campaign as part of the Government’s Collision and Casualty Reduction Plan – published earlier this year.
The initiative aims to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on Jersey’s roads and coincides with Road Safety Week, which runs until Friday 22 November.
Infrastructure Minister, Constable Andy Jehan encouraged Islanders to choose safe travel options during the festive period.
“The consequences of drink driving, even without a collision, can be life changing,” he said.
Robin Smith, Chief Officer at States of Jersey Police, added: “Jersey is of course a safe place, but safety doesn’t happen by chance.”
“There’s a role for us all to play, whether that’s planning your journey home or making responsible choices, especially when looking out for friends and family.”
Several organisations including Ryde, Seymour Hotels, LibertyBus, Jersey Taxi Association, Public Health Jersey, and the Jersey Hospitality Association are supporting the cause.
The government is inviting other groups to join the effort by contacting: iecomms@gov.je.
Drink-driving
676 drink driving incidents recorded from 2020–2025. The highest-risk group is adults aged 25–44.
