ACTION is being taken against dangerous drivers using the roads outside homes in Broughton-in-Furness.

A SID (Speed Indicator Device) was installed on Church Street to remind motorists to obey the 30 mph speed limit.

The device will display the vehicle’s speed together with either a red sad face and ‘slow down’ message or a green smiley face and ‘thank you’.

Annette Carmichael, chair of Broughton Community Plan, has been spearheading the campaign for a 20 mph speed limit to be introduced since 2015.

“Residents feel at risk from the current volume and speed of traffic,” said Ms Carmichael.

“Two thousand vehicles drive through Broughton daily and a majority of these are doing so to try to save a few seconds off their drive to and from work. Cumbria Highways are in the process of drawing up a 20 mph scheme for the town.

“In the meantime, we hope SID will help remind drivers to show consideration to pedestrians and other road users by reducing their speed.”

Parish councillor Jay Sayers was part of the communal effort to get the device and she is most pleased with its immediate effects.

Jay said: “It’s had an immediate impact and a noticeable change. Traffic is taking notice of it already.

“It’s become a quieter and more pleasant place to be.

“It’s absolutely safer. The pavements are very narrow in parts, especially when it's wet. It can be very dangerous when cars rush past. You’ll get soaked as well.

“It feels a lot safer. A whole lot safer."

The scheme was part of a joint effort involving the Broughton community planning committee, the parish council as well as Cumbria County Council.

The Broughton community has extended its gratitude to all whose work has made their community safer.

Jay continued: “It was a team effort. We thank the parish council, Cumbria County Council and Broughton community planning. Hopefully I’d like to see a 20-mph limit everywhere, particularly in built up areas. It’s far more appropriate in these tiny streets, 30 feels so fast.

“It feels a darn side faster in these narrow streets going 30 mph. I think this is an excellent thing to see."

As car fumes are known to build up in the narrow streets, the reduction in speeding is expected to reduce fumes produced by car exhausts in the future. Further schemes to tackle speeding are a possibility.