A new tool to help tackle speeding

A number of speed indicators are to be installed around the town, part of a package of measures to tackle to speed of traffic on our roads.

The devices are intended to complement other measures such as Community Speed Watch and police enforcement to try to change driver behaviour and encourage more people to stay below the speed limit, more often.  

The first devices will be installed later this month on Stockton Road, Geneva Road, Barmpton Lane, Carmel Road North, Carmel Road South – they will be permanently wired into electrical feeds.

The criteria for introducing a speed indicator device has been developed using information gathered from complaints received over recent years.

To be considered, a site must be a road with a 30mph or 40mph speed limit with data showing the percentage of vehicles travelling above the speed limit. Consideration will then be given to road traffic collisions and any casualties within 100m of the site, engineering factors and funding availability.

Funding for the speed indicator devices was confirmed by the council’s cabinet in 2020 and 2022 as part of the Local Transport Plan, with work underway to identify future sites.

Councillor Andy Keir, cabinet member for local services, said: “Speeding is one of the main issues brought to us by residents, it causes a lot of concern about the safety of pedestrians and the risk of accidents.

“These devices are part of a package of measures, working in partnership with the police, we can use to tackle the issue.

“The roads that are part of the first roll out are known hotspots for speeding and these devices will act as a reminder to people to watch their speed and make them think twice before going beyond the safe speed limit.”

Note: Image shows an artist impression from the supplier