Rutland takes proactive approach to speed

The UK and Ireland arm of SWARCO has started on a £390,281 three-year contract to supply and install vehicle activated signs across Rutland for the county council.

The first phase of the installation of the 68 units has been installed across busier roads such as the A47.

The signs are manufactured at SWARCO’s factory in Melsonby, North Yorkshire, and use radar to detect vehicle speeds and an energy-efficient LED display to show messages to oncoming drivers. 

Data is stored and uploaded to SWARCO’s MyCity remote access platform on the number of activations, so the council can monitor changing driver behaviour.

SWARCO UK and Ireland managing director John Pickworth said: ‘We have worked closely together to fully understand their requirements, and have designed a high quality, reliable, durable and energy-efficient solution that delivers a low lifetime cost.’

Cllr Christine Wise, portfolio holder for transport, environment and communities, said: 'Speeding is a big concern for our rural communities and something we are working hard to address through education, engineering and enforcement.

'The upgraded signage we have put in place with help from SWARCO provides a real deterrent to speeding and gives our residents confidence that we’re taking a proactive approach to road safety in the county.'