TOWNS and villages across West Somerset with a history of speed-related problems on their roads could benefit from a funding windfall to help make communities safer.

A £200,000 investment from Somerset County Council means charges to town and parish councils for putting up speed indicator devices are being scrapped.

The county council has announced a new policy for its management of permanent and portable-vehicle activated signs and the funding for expanding the portable sign scheme.

Cabinet member Cllr David Hall said Somerset communities could now have warning signs installed to help address the problems caused by speeding vehicles without it costing them a penny.

Local councils will be able to apply for one device at any time but further applications could be considered at a later date.

The portable signs will spend up to two weeks in any location and will not be installed in the same place within four months.

The county council's new policy is intended to give local people a greater say over where the signs are positioned, as long as the locations meet qualifying criteria.

Cabinet member for highways Cllr Harvey Siggs said: "This is a great opportunity for towns and villages to help us make their communities safer places and to be more involved in helping to manage the roads where they live."

With each sign costing about £2,500, the number of portable speed activated signs to be bought will depend on the number of parishes wanting to take part.

The data collected will be presented to the local council involved as soon as possible.

Previously, councils were charged £750 for the first year they took part in the speed indicator device scheme and then £350 annually.