Children cheer smiley SID's return

Motorists are guaranteed a smile if they keep to the speed limit when they pass a new road sign outside New Marske Primary School in Cleveland.

The Speed Indication Device, nicknamed Smiley Sid, shows drivers how fast they are travelling - and produces a smiley face if a driver's speed is within the speed limit or a downcast look if the driver breaks the speed limit.

SID was first used around Redcar and Cleveland in September 2003 before vandals dismantled and removed it. Now the Council has invested in a new sign and it will appear at a series of locations where residents and councillors have complained about excessive speed.

Road safety manager Mike Hall said: "Smiley Sid is a friendly reminder - it doesn't record number plates or issue fixed penalty notices. We think whoever stole it last year thought there was an enforcement element to it. We are promoting it as a road safety promotional tool, aimed at training children about the positive benefits of slower road speeds."

Thousands of leaflets have been produced, with a New Marske pupil, 10-year-old Charlotte Metts, winning an in-school competition to design the front cover.

For further information contact Mike Hall on 01287 612368,
or mike_hall@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.