Alternative to cameras trialled in Scotland

A trial will begin this month in Scotland of a vehicle activated flashing sign, which targets passing cars with a 'slow down' message and displays their number plate.

The Lothian and Borders Safety Camera Partnership is installing the signs on 15 stretches of road currently patrolled by safety camera vans in Edinburgh, West Lothian and the Borders.

The partnership's manager, Colin McNeill, says the number of times the signs are activated will be compared with the number of motorists caught by mobile cameras at the same site. Safety camera vans will continue to visit the 15 sites, but if the number of speeding drivers appears to fall dramatically, they could be phased out.

"If vehicle activated signs produce the same downturn in speeding and accidents as cameras, that has to be really good news," Mr McNeill said. "It could reduce the number of mobile camera sites."

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