Mobile Vehicle Activated Sign Trials

The trials for this new initiative have now been completed with several Parishes now live with the scheme.  As a result of the feedback from the trials, there are two signs that have been authorised for use, both of which showed excellent results in calming traffic speed.  It was shown that by moving the sign around to different locations the positive effect was spread over a wider area.  The Westcotec version works as a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS), it reminds the driver of the speed limit they are driving in and can be used in 20, 30 and 40mph limits.  The Radarlux unit works as a VAS and also a Speed Indicator Device (SID) that shows the approaching driver their actual speed.  This is capped at a maximum, varying with the speed limit it is operating in, so that there is no point in the driver trying to see how fast they can register.

The signs are purchased by the Parish or area and they assume responsibility for moving the units around to locations agreed with the County Council.

Lesley Pendleton, the County Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, said; County funding for schemes to reduce vehicle speed is prioritised toward communities experiencing the worst problems.  As a result, many requests either fall below the criteria for further investigation, or have to wait several years before money becomes available for a new scheme”.

These new signs will be affordable for many Parish Councils and, like Community Speed Watch, this initiative would provide another way that communities can get involved in addressing issues that are of local concern”

This was part of a new intiative which, if approved, would allow communities to buy and put up signs where there was local concern about speeding. Like the many fixed VAS sites across the county, the mobile signs  remind motorists to drive at appropriate speeds, but by being smaller and mobile, their use is not tied to one location.

Several parishes have already shown a keen interest in buying their own signs".

Four parishes took part in the initial trials which were programmed for last summer. They were

Different makes of sign were tried.and if successful, one VAS type would be chosen to keep costs down and ensure consistency of approach across the County.

A vehicle activated sign (VAS) flashes a warning if a car approaches at inappropriate speed.Fixed VAS are situated at over 100 sites across Leicestershire and the average speed reduction across all sites is 12.4%.

Community Speed Watch is a pioneering scheme which enables volunteers to work within the community to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and to help manage the problem locally. Volunteers are trained to use the hand held radar and laser guns, and other equipment to help manage the problem locally. Drivers recorded by one of the devices will not be prosecuted. The drivers receive a warning letter from the police instead, and the scheme helps towards underlining the community's commitment to getting drivers to behave responsibly towards others and reducing speed.