Speeding indicator signs to put brakes on fast-driving motorists

Speeding indicator signs to put brakes on fast-driving motorists

29 June 2022

MORE speed indicator devices are to be rolled out across the district.

The electronic devices — which show drivers how fast they are travelling — are part of a district-wide offensive on speeders and have been erected at a number of well known speeding hot spots.

While the devices cannot record vehicle registration numbers, the district’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) insists they have been a success and helped reduce speeds.

A number of the devices have already been erected in Downpatrick, Ardglass, Newcastle and Saintfield with more planned for Leitrim, Killough, Dundrum, Kilcoo, and Strangford. 

The news of the latest speed indicator sign roll out has been welcomed by South Down MLA Cathy Mason and local councillors Roísín Howell, Oonagh Hanlon and Leeanne McEvoy, who have been working to secure the new devices.

Ms Mason described speeding as a “huge issue” in towns and villages across the constituency with increasing fears of a serious accident, if the situation is not addressed.

She said given the high volume of traffic passing through towns and villages daily, it is clear that some drivers show a total disregard for the speed limit. 

“Failure to respect the speed limits in place across our rural roads is a concern for residents, especially at this time of year when we see an increase in travelling tourists and people enjoying the summer holidays,” said Mrs Mason.

“We need to see a more robust approach to tackling the issue across our communities.”

Mrs Mason said the installation of speed indicator devices have proven effective in areas across South Down in deterring drivers from speeding and opened the debate on the need for more of them to be provided.

The MLA said she has been “inundated with requests” for the devices and will continue to lobby for them to be rolled out.

She added: “I will continue to work with PCSP and other partners to ensure effective measures are in place to reduce speed across our rural roads in South Down. This needs to happen as a matter of urgency.”