The faulty speed sign on Wetherby Road has been removed by the Council.

The road has a problem with speeding traffic. 20% of vehicles were activating the sign when last checked.

However some of the matrix lights are faulty and this involves replacing the whole assembly.

Concerns have been expressed that the Council may abandon these types of sign with some claiming that they have little effect.

We would dispute that.

Anyone standing near such a sign  will see numerous drivers applying the foot brake when a sign flashes: suggesting that they do have the effect of alerting many motorists to the dangers of exceeding the 30 mph limit.

We would like to see the Council use the site to trial an alternative type of sign. In other parts of the country Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) display the actual speed of approaching vehicles while some give a thumbs up to drivers who are below the limit. These seem to be more effective.

We think that occasional high profile visits from one of the North Yorkshire police cameras vans would provide additional reassurance for those local residents struggling to exit from their driveways where visibility is limited.

In the longer term, it is likely that cars will be equipped with technology which warns drivers of the prevailing speed limit.

Potentially vehicle speeds could actually be governed to the prevailing limit,.