An electronic sign displaying approaching drivers’ speeds has been positioned on the B1049 at the entrance to the villages of Histon and Impington.
The Mobile Vehicle Activated Sign (MVAS) sign was originally purchased in 2018 by the Parish Council for use by the local volunteer led Speedwatch group, and has, until now, only been used for short periods at the roadside, mounted on a tripod.
The County Council has now given permission to position the MVAS sign on lampposts at various locations throughout the villages. The first installation is on the B1049 next to The Coppice, as speeding on this stretch of road has been the subject of many complaints from local residents.
The purpose of the MVAS is to improve safety by reminding road users of the speed limit as they drive past it. The speed of an approaching vehicle is lit up in white if it’s within the speed limit and in red if the limit is exceeded.
Data Collection
The sign is currently set to record the speed of approaching traffic and can also provide data on the number of vehicles passing and their speeds in both directions.
The MVAS also continues to collect data with the speed display turned off, so it will be possible to see how effective it has been it slowing traffic. Data collected cannot be used as enforcement evidence, but it can be shared with the Police and the County Highway Authority in order to suggest enforcement action such as speed cameras, lower speed limits or other traffic control measures.
The sign will be moved after a few weeks, with the next location being Cottenham Road, where traffic comes into the village from the north. The focus there will be to remind drivers of the speed limit as they approach The Park School. Future locations include Park Lane entering Histon; New Road, south of IVC and Cambridge Road opposite The Crescent.
Andy Boylett, Area Coordinator for South Cambs Speedwatch, said: “This is a helpful addition to our work. We’re always looking for volunteers which will allow us to run more roadside sessions. We particularly need a coordinator with the passion and time to organise and run sessions here in Histon & Impington with other group volunteers. Do get in touch if you think you can help”.
For more information, please email speedwatch@cambs.pnn.police.uk