MOTORISTS were given a friendly reminder to keep to the speed limit this week as Tattenhall Parish Council tried out equipment made available by Project Rural matters.

A Speed Indicator Display (SID) was set up on Chester Road, by Tattenhall Park Primary School to record speeds of passing vehicles.

As the sign is passed, it displays the speed of the vehicle and a smiley face if inside the limit, and a sad face if exceeding it.

Project Rural Matters volunteer Graeme Marsden, of High Street, Tattenhall said: 'We all know how important it is to reduce speeds in built up areas, particularly around schools where 20% of child pedestrian accidents occur. By using the smiley and sad face symbols positive feedback is given to the driver.'

He added: 'The only information taken is the speed of the vehicle and the time. No registration is ever taken. It is simply an education tool for the driver. It's a soft way of educating the driver instead of hitting them over the head with a heavy fine.'

He said he was expecting positive results: 'On the down side one driver who was approaching at 45mph acknowledged us with a wave. On the up side although we have to wait for the data to be downloaded, I would say the majority of the drivers who were over the speed limit adjusted their speed accordingly.'

This is the first time the initiative, which came from the Chester South Rural Area Committee, has visited Tattenhall.

'On this first showing I would say it has been a resounding success, and judging by the positive feedback by passing pedestrians we look forward to the unit's next visit,' said Graeme.

He added: 'The children were also very interested so drivers with youngsters on board may now find they have some extra help in watching their speedometer.

Tattenhall Park Primary School Year 6 teacher Laura Noble said: 'Junior Road Safety Officers in Year 6 are working hard to raise pupils' awareness of all road safety issues so the children were very interested to find out about this initiative.'

She added: 'Year 5 will be especially interested as they will be involved in an exciting project to investigate road safety issues.'