Money is available for villages to enlist motorist speed indicators

PARISH councils and community groups are set to find it easier to fit their villages out with Speed Indicator Devices, following a scheme by Derbyshire County Council and Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster.

The devices are electronically activated and used to measure oncoming vehicle speed, which is aimed at promoting driver awareness of local speed limits.

The devices have proven effective already in some areas of the county, including Hulland Ward, and the new scheme will allow villagers and councils to apply to use them on a trial basis by reaching an agreement with their council ward member.

During the trial, villages would be able to apply for a maximum of three signs at sites where there are local concerns over speed.

Commissioner Foster has already committed more than £150,000 funding for road safety schemes and will be inviting parishes councils wishing to install Speed Indicator

Devices to apply through a grant process.

She said: “Road safety is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan. People across the county have told me time and time again that speeding is one of their main concerns and how it impacts on their communities.

“Many parish councils have been requesting these measures for a very long time to help tackle speeding in their communities.

“This is why I have worked hard with the county council to secure this important initiative. It signals a very positive step forward working in partnership to make Derbyshire’s roads safer for all road users.”

The trial was agreed at a cabinet meeting of Derbyshire County Council last week.

Derbyshire County Council leader Barry Lewis said: “Improving road safety has always been a high priority for the council and we are committed to doing everything we can to help bring about tangible measures that will make a real difference to our communities.

“I am pleased cabinet agreed to support this trial and I am sure this will enjoy wide support amongst our communities.

“This new approach will empower parishes and communities worried about the dangers of speeding to take robust action in a way that is proven to be effective.

“This is also a great example of our commitment to partnership working with other organisations.”