Speed alert signs heading to Ryedale villages (From Gazette & Herald)

Speed alert signs heading to Ryedale villages

10:57am Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News

MEASURES to curb speeding motorists in Ryedale villages is to be launched by the county council following repeated calls for action by parish councils.

Temporary vehicle activated signs (VAS) are to be bought in response to calls for action from residents in scores of rural communities.

North Yorkshire County Council’s Ryedale Area Committee was told by Alan McVeigh, senior highways officer: “Speeding traffic is a major concern for local communities in the county.”

The signs, which display the speed limit, alert speeding drivers and while they are used at blackspots with a history of speed-related accidents, there is also a demand for temporary signs where a site is of local concern, he said.

An initial phase is to be set up which will see two solar-powered signs available in each of the seven districts in North Yorkshire. They will be used in one parish for a maximum of six weeks before returning to the community for three months on a rotational basis throughout the year, said Mr Bowe.

“The VAS will be suitable for 30mph and 40mph sites as the displayed speed limit reminder can be easily changed to suit.”

Mr Bowe said the VAS will be capable of capturing speed data and officers will be able to access the data without leaving the office.

He added that each sign will cost £2,500 and the county council is planning to buy 15. The installation charge of £300 if put into a verge and £400 if installed in a footpath, will be paid by each parish.