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Signs slowing down speeds across county
Posted on 19/01/2010
A trial of mobile 'vehicle activated signs' has shown speed reductions in all seven of the Leicestershire villages where it ran.
The signs remind motorists to drive at appropriate speeds, where there is local concern about speeding.
The results of the County Council-funded pilot revealed speed decreases of up to 4mph.
Importantly, six of the eight sites were still showing a cut in speed after the signs had been removed, illustrating the longer term effects of the trial.
Lesley Pendleton, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “County funding for schemes to reduce vehicle speeds is prioritised towards communities experiencing the worst problems. As a result many requests either fall below the criteria for further investigation or have to wait several years before monies become available for a scheme.
"These new signs are affordable to many parish councils and could be used in conjunction with the Community Speed Watch project which has run successfully for three years. This initiative would provide another way for communities to get involved in addressing issues that are of local concern. Several parishes have already shown a keen interest in buying their own signs."
A number of parish councils see speeding traffic as an issue in their community but not all qualify for a road scheme such as a permanent VAS, speed cushions or speed limits. Others may face a long wait for funding.
Parishes facing a wait for funds or those not qualifying for more permanent road safety measures can purchase a mobile VAS for around £3,000 and work with the County Council to find the most effective locations.
These are smaller than regular VAS and their use is not tied to one location. Ideally the signs stay in place for a week before being moved to a different location within the area.
Enquiries from interested parishes are welcome, and should be directed to Mike Wilson on 0116 305 7336. Signs are purchased direct from the supplier.
To keep up to date with Leicestershire’s road network, visit www.leics.gov.uk/roadsandtransport
Notes:
The mobile VAS trial ran through August and September 2009.
The seven villages involved were Burrough on the Hill, Pickwell, Thurnby, Scraptoft, Woodhouse, Woodhouse Eaves and Snarestone. In Snarestone, there were two sites, making a total of eight locations altogether.
Community Speed Watch (CSW) enables volunteers to work within the community to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and to help manage the problem locally.
Volunteers are trained to use hand-held radar and laser guns so they can record the speed of passing vehicles. As an alternative to the guns, VAS can be positioned at the roadside to warn motorists if they are travelling at an excessive speed.
Being recorded by Community Speed Watch volunteers does not lead to prosecution – drivers receive a warning letter from the police instead – and the scheme helps towards underlining the community’s commitment to getting drivers to behave responsibly towards others and reducing their speed.