Driver feedback signs cut speeding

Technology from 3M is helping reduce the incidence of speeding in the UK city of Salford.

A series of Driver Feedback Signs from 152 3M, DFS 700 units, have been installed in the area to gather both information on average vehicle speeds and encourage drivers to observe the speed limits.

The Urban Vision partnership between Salford City Council and Capita Symonds manages the local highways on behalf of the council and has installed 50 of the DFS 700 units in strategic locations close to schools, the entrances to villages and some major highways. The A6, which is the main route from Salford to Manchester, has six DFS units installed; four of these were funded by the local communities and two by the Safer Routes to School initiative. Most of the DFS installations are permanent with a combination of mains and solar power depending on the location.

Urban Vision says that where monitoring takes place there has been a measurable reduction in speeds, which is consistent with expectations. On one route Urban Vision has recorded a 4.4km/h reduction in mean speeds and average speeds brought down to within the speed limit. Crucially, Urban Vision says it has noted a 64.7% reduction in vehicles exceeding the speed limit since the DFS units were installed. The 3M DFS 700 unit is designed for areas with high pedestrian activity to help encourage drivers to reduce their speeds and can also provide data on driver speed, through a number of different options, including: a USB cable, 2362 Bluetooth or GSM for long distance wireless connections. It can be used for traffic studies and inform decision makers whether extra measures are needed for speed reduction. The sign also benefits from 3M Diamond Grade DG3 reflective sheeting face to boost its visibility in all weathers.