True costs of community speed signs revealed

A Moray councillor has encouraged communities to come together to raise thousands of pounds for speed signs.

The council currently has 23 flashing road signs that are deployed across the region for short periods to address concerns in specific areas.

However, it was revealed in January that locals would be given the chance to fund their own permanent warnings – providing they raise enough money needed to buy them.

At their meeting two months ago, Moray Council requested a report on how such signage could be achieved, and to provide an indication of the likely resource implications on the council.

That report was released this week, and will be discussed by the economic development and infrastructure services committee on Tuesday.

It states that the cost of signs and equipment would slightly higher than expected: £3,500.

On top of that, it would cost £400 alone to install the majority of signs, with an additional £75 needed a year to cover inspection costs.

Ahead of next week’s meeting, community councils were asked for their opinion and, of the eight responses, three expressed interest in purchasing the signs.

Two said they would be discussing potential purchases at their next meeting, while two said the costs were “prohibitive.”

Council papers, to go toward next week’s committee next week, state: “The initial level of interest in the purchase of the signage has therefore been very limited, with the cost of the signage likely to be a determining factor for many communities.”

Last night, Speyside Glenlivet councillor Derek Ross, who first mooted the idea, encouraged communities to rally together to purchase the signs if plans go ahead.

He said: “Ideally, we would live in a world where these kind of signs were provided by people’s council tax, but that isn’t possible.

“But as councillors we have to live in the real world and work out how things can be achieved without the funds.

“Speeding is a massive problem, particularly in the area I represent. The cost of the signs is of course less than the cost of a life.

“The transport department would be heavily involved in placing the signs and assist communities.

“There are various types of signs that show different messages, so they could be traded between communities so drivers don’t get used to them.”

Councillors have been asked to approve the process for communities to fund the purchase and maintenance of the speed signs, and will meet next week to discuss the proposals.