ORGANISERS from the Kendal Torchlight Carnival have donated a new digital speed awareness sign to improve road safety in the area.

The equipment has been donated to Kendal Neighbourhood Policing Team as a thank you for the help it provided during the planning and event stages of this year’s carnival.

“Kendal Torchlight Carnival returned in 2013 due, in no small part, to the support of the Kendal Neighbourhood Policing Team," said Simon McElroy, from the Kendal Torchlight 2013 Team.

“The knowledge and expertise provided by Inspector Latham and Sergeant Mellard helped the Torchlight Team to further develop the Torchlight Event Management plan in line with current health and safety requirements for large public community events.

"The support of the Kendal NPT during the Kendal Torchlight Carnival ensured a safe evening of entertainment for approximately 25,000 spectators.

“Our partnership has been positive and productive, and of great benefit to our community. Our donation is intended as a continuation of that beneficial partnership.”

The equipment is a portable, big-digit speed sign with data-logging capabilities which was purchased from Pandora Technologies Ltd of Hawkshead.

Inspector Paul Latham, Kendal Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are very grateful for this donation from the Torchlight Team. Community policing is made much easier when working in partnership with local businesses, schools, community groups and event organisers. We are very pleased with the partnership we have struck up with the Kendal Torchlight Carnival Team.

“We intend to use the equipment in order to help prevent collisions in our area by establishing the level of speeding in targeted areas. The sign will be able to record how fast each car is going through the data-logging system.

“The equipment will give us a picture of the speed vehicles drive at on particular stretches of road and will highlight areas of concern. I’d ask that motorists reduce their speed and stick to the speed limits that are in place to prevent collisions causing serious or fatal injuries.”