Keep smiling and stay within the speed limit in Harpenden

THERE’S nothing to smile about when it comes to speeding in Harpenden.

Officers from the Harpenden Neighbourhood Team of Hertfordshire Constabulary have been given a new handheld device to warn drivers if they are breaking the speed limit.

If a driver is going too fast as they go past, the new Speed Indication Device will illuminate a sad face in lights, but if a motorist is within the speed limit, the device will show a happy face in lights.

Harpenden Safer Neighbourhood Team Sgt Lewis Ducket said: “Speeding vehicles have been a concern amongst residents in Harpenden, particularly in south Harpenden.

“The device is a great way of educating motorists about their speed, when they might not be aware that they are over the limit.”

Since the new device arrived, officers have been using the device in Walkers Road, but also plan to use it on a weekly basis elsewhere across Harpenden as well as in Redbourn and Wheathampstead to help tackle speeding vehicles and educate drivers about road safety.

County Cllr Teresa Heritage, member for Harpenden South West, said: “I am delighted that SID has come to Harpenden. The largest quantity of complaints that I receive relate to speeding vehicles.

“Despite speed cushions, cameras and chicanes, many motorists still ignore the prescribed speed limits for out local roads. Over the past year I have been working with Hertfordshire Constabulary and county council officers to introduce a speed management strategy and SIDs are an important element of the educational strand to this strategy.”