Policing students help tackle speeding concerns in Treforest

Students from the University of South Wales have been praised for their contribution to a community speed enforcement initiative in Treforest, addressing residents’ concerns.

The initiative, led by South Wales Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, followed reports of speeding along Llantwit Road. As part of a community policing exercise, Professional Policing students joined Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Garron Evans to support a speed monitoring operation designed to improve road safety and reassure local residents.

During the operation, 50 vehicles were recorded using a laser speed detection device. Five drivers were found to be exceeding the limit and will receive warning letters advising them about their future driving. The data gathered will also be shared with partners in the local Community Safety Partnership to inform ongoing safety measures.

Carwyn Evans, Lecturer in Professional Policing, said: “Exercises like this help students understand what community policing is about and the work of the neighbourhood policing team.

“It’s one thing to cover policing theory in the classroom, but it’s another to see it in action. This gave our students the opportunity to take part in meaningful, real-world police work while supporting the local community.”

Beyond the immediate impact on road safety, the experience forms part of a wider programme of applied learning embedded within the Foundation Year in Professional Policing. Recent and upcoming visits include exploring policing in the media at the BBC, attending hearings at Merthyr Tydfil courts to witness the court process in action, and visiting Merthyr Police Station to learn about custody procedures and departmental roles.

Carwyn said: “By engaging directly with partners across the criminal justice system, students gain a much deeper understanding of how each part connects, from neighbourhood policing through to the courts.”