Concern over solar-powered speed indicators raised
A community campaigner in Telford called for action to get speed indicator devices (SIDs) working after telling a council committee that new solar powered ones are ‘too heavy for posts.’
The so called SIDs are common across Telford & Wrekin borough where they flash a smiley face at drivers if they are keeping within in the speed limit and a disgusted frown if they are not.
Richard Green, of Wellington Road Action Group (WRAG), called on Donnington & Muxton Parish Council to sort out issues with three local SIDs.
They are being changed from running solely off batteries which have to be changed to those run off energy from the sun, the meeting heard. The sun powered ones have panels attached to soak up the sunlight.
Mr Green said: “Having waited an eternity to put them up, within a day or two days Telford & Wrekin, bless their cotton socks, decided that when they were up there they were highly likely to break the lamp posts in half because of excessive weight.”
He added that the community had “waited ages” for the SIDs to go up and then they were taken down again. One of the three did not work because it was ‘blocked by trees’, he claimed.
Mr Green said he drives past SIDs in Lilleshall, Newport and Priorslee, and never came across others that are not working.
“And I’ve also asked repeatedly that the little smiley face goes and we have a sign saying slow down, thank you,” he said.
The meeting was told that new poles to hold up the new style SIDs would be installed in the “next couple of weeks.”
Mr Green demanded a date be put on it as he had “heard that before.”
“We’re a main road but we are forgotten unless we kick up a fuss,” he said.
Councillor Richard Overton, who sits on the parish council, is also Telford & Wrekin Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for highways, housing
and enforcement.
Councillor Overton, who wasn’t present at the parish council meeting earlier this week, said: “Parish Councils across the borough have long used Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs), typically mounted on lighting columns or dedicated posts where appropriate.
“Many are now upgrading to solar-powered versions, which include both batteries and a large solar panel.”
He added that “concerns raised about the weight of these new units are understandable, but the issue is not solely about weight.
“Wind loading and the structural condition of the columns themselves is also a consideration.
“To ensure the long-term integrity of these assets, Telford & Wrekin Council promotes the use of standalone posts wherever possible.
“The council is supportive of town and parish councils using SIDs to improve road safety and collect valuable traffic data and we continue to work in partnership to deliver these schemes and support future investment in safer streets.”
