MOTORISTS in Middlewich are being reminded to watch their speed following the installation of a digital display along Croxton Lane.

Two years ago, residents launched a campaign for road safety measures coming out of Middlewich where the speed limit is still 30mph.

Some drivers, who could see the 60mph zone further along Croxton Lane, were speeding up while still inside the 30mph zone and residents and councillors were concerned about the safety of road users and neighbours.

Last year, Jackie and Mark Woodberry volunteered to have a temporary speed indication display (SID) installed on their property so that traffic could be monitored for two weeks, and motorists were reminded of their speed.

The digital display, also called smiley Sid as a sad or happy face also flashes up along with the current speed of a vehicle, proved that there were speeding issues along Croxton Lane and now, after more than 12 months, a permanent Sid has been installed going out of town.

Cllr Bernice Walmsley said: “Speed is a constant issue along Croxton Lane but we had to actually provide physical proof before a permanent display could be sited here.

“It’s been well over a year but now we have a permanent Sid, which flashes up a vehicle’s speed as they’re leaving Middlewich.”

Mark Woodberry, who lives on Croxton Lane, said the new smiley Sid is already affecting the speed of traffic in its first three weeks of being installed but he believes it it will take time for everyone to follow the 30mph speed limit.

He said: “The new display is slowing traffic down a little bit but there are always going to be those motorists who ignore the speed limit.

“It will take time for people to adjust, but the Sid is helping.

“More 30mph signs coming out of Middlewich would definitely serve as a reminder, particularly to those people who aren’t familiar with the area and who don’t know what the speed limit is.”