By Janine Griffiths
Telford is likely to see increasing use of portable flashing speed limit signs - already becoming noticeable along the borough roads - as a result of new council measures.
Telford & Wrekin Council has announced plans to give borough communities affected by speeding drivers the chance to have more say in where the portable signs should go.
It means local communities can determine which roads in their area need to be more closely monitored for motorists flouting speed laws.
Hotspots
And because the signs - technically known as speed indicator devices - are portable, organisers of the new scheme say they make use of the element of surprise in forcing drivers to slow down at speeding hotspots.
The signs display the speed at which cars pass and use very little electricity meaning they are ideal for use in rural locations where power supplies are harder to source.
Councillor Andrew Eade, Telford & Wrekin Council Leader, said: “We have set up a Rural Parishes Forum to look after the interests of rural areas in the borough.
“The forum has a budget allowing parish councils to apply for help with projects like the speed signs.
“Parish councils can club together to buy the signs between them as their own budgets are often very very small.
“The scheme helps tackle speeding in problem areas.”
At least £10,000 has been earmarked by Telford & Wrekin Council’s Rural Parishes Forum to help communities with the cost of the signs.
Request
Under the new scheme, residents can contact their parish council if they want to request one of the portable signs.
Parish councils within Telford & Wrekin can then club together to buy one of the signs using money from the borough fund.
The portable signs can then be booked out at different locations within the parish councils’ areas.
And with each sign costing several thousand pounds, it means communities can reap the benefits of jointly owning a sign.
