More locations for speed indicator devices

Cheshire East Council is installing more posts for Speed Indicator Signs (SIDs) in WIlmslow to enable them to be rotated and hopefully have more of an impact on speeding drivers.

SIDs were installed last year in Knutsford Road and Macclesfield Road at the request of local Cheshire East councillors.

Councillor Rod Menlove said "Driver reaction to these signs is variable but for responsible drivers they are a reminder of the speed limit. However, it is generally accepted that where it is a regular route, fixed signs lose impact over time.

"As a low cost option we have agreed to extra posts and the signs will be moved regularly."

Two new posts are being installed for the speed indicator devices this month, one on Macclesfield Road and one on Knutsford Road (as shown above).

This is to enable to Council to rotate the SIDs every six months, and they can be positioned to pick up either lane of traffic.

What do you think about the positioning of SIDs on these two roads? Do you think they have a impact on drivers? Share your views via the comment box below.

Tags:
Speed Indicator Devices
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Alan Brough
Friday 6th January 2017 at 9:49 am
Waste of money.

We have good old fashioned, fixed, speed limit signs to remind us what the speed limit is.

I'd prefer to see speed cameras on these residential routes (close to schools)

I have regularly seen the SID on Knutsford Road register speeds up to 55 mph (in a 30mph zone) and wonder if some drivers actually like to push it to see what "score" they can achieve.

A speed camera would more or less ensure adherence to the limit and would presumably provide a quick return on it's cost before becoming a revenue earner.
Jonathan Follows
Friday 6th January 2017 at 10:30 am
I disagree with you, Alan, for two reasons.

Firstly, they are good because they get my attention, and anything that does that is good. Too much bad driving is, I propose, caused by lack of attention rather than deliberately - the little old lady who almost ran me down on a pedestrian crossing in Wilmslow recently wasn't paying attention, she really wasn't attempting to kill me.

Secondly, the old fashioned signs you refer to are significantly diminished in value because of their over-use in our locale. In practice, some of them actually mean "go on, slow down a bit!" rather than "30mph is the maximum safe speed". Almost nobody drives at 30mph or below on the stretch of road out to the motorway past Waters, and I don't actually think just about anyone - police included - really cares that they don't. There's also a short 30mph section on the A34 at one of the roundabouts to the north of us which is equally ignored. So it's important now to have something extra to say "we really mean it this time" such as the SIDs and I think they will help, even if just a little.
Peter Evans
Friday 6th January 2017 at 12:44 pm
I agree with Jonathan. When I go past the one on Knutsford Road I do try to ensure it says 30, I don't believe it encourages people to speed up.
My assumption is that speed cameras are much more expensive and are also meant to be safety related, not income generators (though I say "meant" with a healthy dose of cynicism), so "pay back" is not a reason for placing them anywhere.
The mechanisms to monitor speed and detect inappropriate driving have increased dramatically in recent years, however the thinking about what is appropriate has not really been fully considered in line with this (other than sometimes to argue to reduce limits).
Mark Goldsmith
Friday 6th January 2017 at 3:28 pm
Why not add a speed ramp to the island crossing instead?

Nothing too drastic, just something that would force drivers to slow down to 30mph or less. They break or wear out (other than repainting the chevrons). I would also think they are cheaper to install too.
Jerry Stone
Friday 6th January 2017 at 4:32 pm
Jonathan has nailed it and highlights a very significant point which is that certain speed limits just aren't appropriate and unfortunately it means that motorists lose respect for all other speed limits.
I would be surprised if many drivers would abuse a temporary 20mph limit near schools during the morning run and school closing times, but that limit out past Waters is just bloomin' ridiculous!