A vehicle activated sign has been installed on Clotherhome Road in Ripon In a bid to make drivers reduce their speed.

It has been located between the junctions for Ash Bank Road and Doublegates Avenue after residents raised concerns about the dangers posed by speeding drivers.

Lib Dem councillor Barbara Brodigan, who represents the Ripon Ure Bank and Spa Division on North Yorkshire County Council and is also a city councillor, told the Stray Ferret:

“I approached the county’s highways team after being contacted by residents who said that speeding motorists on Clotherholme Road have been putting lives at risk.

“Family pets have been killed after being hit by vehicles and some people believe it’s only a matter of time before there is a human fatality.”

Cllr Brodigan added:

“This is a growing residential area with new homes under construction and the prospect of more housing in the future with the barracks development.

“Clotherholme Road  is also the location for the city’s two secondary schools and we must do all that we can to raise awareness of speed limits and the need for motorists to drive safely.”

The VAS sign has been funded through the Section 106 monies paid by Harran Homes as part of the planning agreement drawn up for its Bishop’s Glade development, in the Doublegates area.

The sign, installed by TWM Traffic Control Systems Ltd, working in liaison with traffic engineers from the county counil, employs the latest technology and is solar powered.

It has a range of 200 metres and is activated by any vehicle being driven at 27 mph or above. The display also includes a ‘slow down’ message for vehicles exceeding the 30 mph speed limit.