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The Speedwatch team has expanded with four additional volunteers this month, and we would like to thank everyone who has come forward to support the initiative. At the time of writing, seven sessions have been completed, with all volunteers, with one exception, having participated in at least one session. We are still looking for additional volunteers to help us build the team further and enable more regular sessions to take place at different times and locations.

Locations

There are currently three approved locations, all of which have now been used at least once:

• A4 – traffic from Reading, leaving the Charvil roundabout (40 mph) – 1 session
• Park View Drive South – traffic from the A4 heading south – 1 session
• Old Bath Road – traffic from Charvil towards Twyford – 5 sessions

While two additional locations on Old Bath Road were requested, TVP advised that the current locations needed to be used, and their effectiveness (or otherwise) demonstrated, before new locations would be considered.

Observations

The presence of the Speedwatch team continues to have a notable impact on vehicle speed. Generally the reaction has been very positive. There have been a few exceptions (and some interesting gestures), but in the main the initiative seems well received and appreciated.

Statistics

The previous 2 sessions have been conducted on Park View Drive South and the A4, with the following results:

Park View Drive Sout (30-mph limit)

• 90 minute session – 9:30 – 11:00
• 42 vehicles counted
• No speeding violations

The time of day may have influenced the results, so a further session has been scheduled for early evening to provide a broader picture of driver behaviour at different times of day. The team were clearly visible to drivers turning into Park View Drive South from the A4, and drivers were observed slowing down as they approached.

A4 (40-mph limit)

• 2 hour session – 1:30 – 3:30
• 41 speeding violations
  • Top speed = 60-mph
  • 16 vehicles were recorded at 50-mph or higher (39%)
  • 25 vehicles were recorded at 47-49 mph

The team were highly visible as vehicles exited the roundabout resulting in a significant number of vehicles slowing down considerably.

Next Steps

• Run further sessions at all three locations
• Continue to encourage more volunteers
• Continue to try and get a second OBR location approved

For more information:

• Thames Valley Police – https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/community-speedwatch/
• Find out more about the nationwide incentive – https://www.communityspeedwatch.org/FRONT-v2-Home.php
• Contact us to find out more about being a volunteer – clerk@charvilparishcouncil.gov.uk

A Reserved Matters planning application (253071) has now been submitted for land to the west of Park Lane, Charvil. This is the next stage following the outline planning permission and focuses on the detailed design and layout of the development.

A public meeting was held on Monday 13 July to provide residents with an update on the application. The meeting provided an opportunity to explain the planning process, outline the progress made so far, and discuss how the proposals have developed since the original outline permission was granted.

The slides from the public meeting are available here: Park Lane development meeting presentation slides.

The discussion covered:

• The different stages of the planning application process and where the current Reserved Matters application sits
• Progress made on the proposals and what has happened so far
• How the plans seek to align with the Charvil Neighbourhood Plan
• The potential wider benefits associated with the development, including play facilities, youth facilities and allotments
• An overview of the updated proposals and site layout.

There is still time to share your views with Charvil Parish Council before the deadline on 26 July 2026. Any feedback received will help inform the Parish Council’s response to the application.

• You can view the planning documents on the Wokingham Borough Council website: Planning application 253071

Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting and took the time to share their views.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 that following the resignation of Stephen Lucas a vacancy exists in the office of councillor for Charvil Parish Council.

A by-election to fill the vacancy will be held if within 14 working days from the date below 10 electors from the Parish give notice in writing to the Returning Officer, Electoral Services Office, Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1WH of a request for an election to fill the vacancy.

If no such notice is given to the Returning Officer, the Parish Council will fill the seat by co-option

DATED this 12th day of May 2026

Miranda Parker

Clerk to the Parish Council