MORE than 80 per cent of drivers are taking notice of a Speed Indicator Device (SID) installed on the A396 at Timberscome and slowing down to the legal limit when they enter the village, Timberscombe parish councillors have been told.

Analysis of recorded speed data shows that coming from Cutcombe, 84 per cent of vehicles are travelling under 30 mph, which is the legal speed limit.

A total of 95 per cent of vehicles are passing through at under 35 mph, and 99.74 per cent at under 40 mph.

The figures were said to represent a ‘significant improvement’ compared with previous data collected by the police.

Parish council clerk Lesley Webb said: “Unfortunately, a small number of irresponsible drivers continue to travel at dangerously high speeds - 20 out of 34,666 vehicles were recorded at over 50 mph, typically during the early hours of the morning.

“The parish council would like to express its thanks to Cllrs Ian Ware and Claire Gibbard for their work in the installation of the SID and for their ongoing efforts in maintaining it.”

Ms Webb said a new SID post had been installed on the Duddings bank and the original intention was to rotate the existing portable SID between the two locations.

However, despite being a ‘portable’ device, the equipment was found to be extremely heavy and difficult to move, particularly as it must be mounted above head height.

For this reason, the parish council had decided to pursue the purchase of a second SID to remain permanently at the Duddings site.

Ms Webb said as grant funding was limited, this might take a little time to achieve.

In addition to the SIDs, the parish council had requested the installation of a ‘Bend in the Road’ warning sign at Totterdown to alert drivers to the series of bends approaching the Duddings area.