SID finds favour with motorists and media alike

SID, the Sussex Safety Camera Partnership’s (SSCP) latest recruit, has just one mission in life - to get drivers and riders to check their speed and slow down (if necessary) to the speed limit or below.

SID does this by calmly standing at the side of the road and smiling at those passing by within the speed limit. However, if motorists are going too fast, the grin quickly turns to a frown.

SID stands for Speed Indicator Device, and seven SIDs will soon be appearing in towns and villages across Sussex. SID will compliment safety cameras and enhance the work of SSCP.

"Time and again residents ask for more measures to help reduce speeding," says Emma Rogers, SSCP’s communications manager. "Safety cameras are not appropriate everywhere so SSCP is launching its ‘Slow Down With SID’ project.

"There is a misconceived idea that SSCP is out to get motorists and is lining its pockets by fining drivers who speed. How can this be the case when the Partnership is working to gently remind motorists to check their speed, to take a moment to reflect and consider the consequences of what speeding can do - in the hope they ease up on their right foot?

"Using SID on roads where there is a speeding or casualty problem could encourage people to stick to speed limits at all times - which will mean lives saved," Emma Rogers concludes.

SSCP had an extremely successful SID launch recently, resulting in TV, radio and newspaper coverage. "In fact, the Daily Mirror even did a very positive piece praising Sussex Police for the campaign," Emma Rogers says.

SID will primarily be used on roads near schools and where speeding vehicles pose a threat to pedestrians and residents - in particular children and the elderly - and detract from the quality of life.

The scheme will be run by co-ordinator Graeme Beattie who can be contacted on 01273 482289 or SID@sussexsafetycameras.gov.uk.