Communities in Dorset – including Bridport and Lyme Regis – are benefitting from a speed safety scheme which aims to curb speeding drivers and improve road safety.

Dorset Council's community Speed Indicator Device (SID) programme has installed signs within 45 communities that display the speed of oncoming vehicles in a bid to raise drivers’ awareness of local speed limits.

The council also states the signs are proven to reduce traffic speeds when used at appropriate locations.

Dorset Council has worked with a number of authorities and organisations, including Bridport Town Council and Lyme Regis Town Council.

Dorset Highways oversees the setting up of new sites, providing risk assessments and training, with parish and town councils funding their local programme, owning the devices and responsible for deploying them.

Matt Adamson-Drage, operations manager at Lyme Regis Town Council, said: “There has been a speed indicator device in Lyme Regis for several years as we believe it is an effective method of reducing traffic speed. Unlike other signs, they are reactive to a vehicle’s speed, making them more noticeable to drivers and raising awareness of the speed they are travelling.

“Hopefully this is enough to make drivers break the habit of speeding, especially when changing from one speed restriction to another. Road safety teams cannot be present all the time so the device is a good method of reminding drivers of their responsibilities and encouraging self-awareness and self-regulation for the safety of themselves and the community.

“We have three locations for the device in Lyme Regis – Timber Hill, Charmouth Road and Sidmouth Road – and it sits in one location for up to four weeks and is then moved to one of the other sites.

“Studies have apparently shown these sorts of devices work best when they don't become a permanent road furniture feature, hence the rotational movement of the device.

“Any feedback we have had about the speed indicator device has been positive.”

Councillor Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “By working together with parish and town councils, this community-based initiative has expanded and become more responsive to local needs.

“These displays have a measurable impact on reducing traffic speeds, something many communities are concerned about, and they contribute towards changing driver behaviour through our towns and villages.

“My thanks to all the communities who have worked hard on schemes in their area – you’ve made a real difference and helped make our roads safer.”