SID - costs shunted onto local councils

SID stands for Speed Indicator Device. These are the little flashing signs which tell you if you're driving over the speed limit. In 2011 the council allocated one to each area board, with criteria for where they could be used based on crash rates and ambient road speeds.

Towards the end of 2014 Wiltshire Council told parish councils they'd have to take over the costs of the scheme if they wanted it to continue. Parish and town councils declined the invitation. Despite being the Highway Authority with a statutory duty to improve road safety WC has maintained this position.

The council has now reminded local councils that the devices are still available and could be used. Under the latest proposals WC as highway authority would set the rules as to where, when and how they should be used, though the parish and towns would have to fund all of the costs involved.

The costs are mostly incurred by putting up and removing the signs, which would have to be continually moved as WC believes they lose effectiveness if left in the same place for more than a couple of weeks. The job can only be done by an approved contractor.