'Bright' Idea Helps Communities Tackle Speeding

An innovative project empowering communities to tackle speeding traffic is being rolled out across Leicestershire.

Launched this month, the County Council is offering community groups and parish councils the opportunity to buy and run flashing signs.

One of the first of its kind in the East Midlands, the scheme is designed to enable householders to take action to combat speeding motorists.

The signs flash when triggered by motorists travelling at excessive speeds and can be attached to secure features such as street lights.

Being smaller and more portable than the permanent flashing signs across the county, they don't have to be tied to one location and can be used for temporary periods at a number of sites.

The first new sign is being switched on in Forest Road, Woodhouse tomorrow (Friday 10th).

Over the next couple of months, signs are also being used in Cotesbach, Great Bowden, Croft/Huncote, East Goscote/Cossington/Queniborough, Dadlington/Sutton Cheney, Stoke Golding, Lutterworth, Husbands Bosworth, Pickwell/Somerby/Burrough on the Hill, Glenfield, Broughton Astley and Lubenham.

Lesley Pendleton, County Council Cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “The County Council and the police already work hard to control speeding and this scheme will complement this work.

“Our objective is to continue to reduce casualties on our roads and this new mobile technology gives communities the chance to play a part in that.

"By becoming more involved, local people can contribute to making roads safer in their own community.”

Liz Randall, Woodhouse traffic watch committee co-ordinator, said: "We wanted to take action after questionnaires showed that over 72% of residents were unhappy about speeding traffic. Since then, we've been involved with the community speed watch initiative which reiterated that vehicles were travelling too fast in Woodhouse.

"The new sign will flash up the speed of approaching traffic and is designed to make drivers think. By using it in a number of hotspots, we're hoping this will slow motorists down and make a difference to the village."

Community groups ot parish councils wanting to find out more about the scheme can visit www.bealocalhero.com or contact Mike Wilson at Leicestershire County Council on 0116 305 7336.