MOTORISTS in West Devon will soon be faced with the latest weapon in the campaign to drive down speeds in the area.
The new electronic warning signs, which flash whenever drivers exceed the speed limit, are about to be introduced to the borough, following successful trials elsewhere in the country. The signs automatically flash up a warning of the correct speed if drivers approach too quickly.
A number of sites in West Devon have already been earmarked for the flashing light treatment, including Jacobstowe, Sticklepath and Mary Tavy.
A recent survey carried out by West Devon Community Safety Partnership showed that fear of speed and the potential for being involved in a road accident caused people more anxiety than the threat of other crimes such as burglary and violent crime.
And villagers packed a public meeting in Mary Tavy recently, called to try to address the problem.
Michael Newcombe, road safety officer with Devon, said the new type of signs were mobile, which will enable them to be used on a rotational two-week basis in areas flagged up to be a problem.
?We already have a list of parish councils who want to use this new tool. We will be meeting in a couple of weeks time to work out the timetable,? said Mr Newcombe.
Cllr Gretta Madigan, chairman of the West Devon Community Safety Partnership, said: ?It is all too easy to let our speed creep up ? even if it is pouring with rain we are warm and comfortable in our cars and we can just forget what effect the speed of our car can have on other road users.?
Statistics have revealed that faster drivers have more crashes and contribute to around 1,200 deaths and 100,000 injuries a year in the UK, with 69% of car drivers exceeding 30mph limits.
The new flashing signs will be mounted on lamp posts in danger areas within the next few weeks.