A CAMPAIGN to alleviate the problem of speeding vehicles in a popular Lakeland village is showing 'positive results' according to the project co-ordinator.

A £5,000 electronic speed indicator sign was first made operational on July 17 following a two-year campaign by Grasmere Village Society to install more effective speed-calming measures.

Residents decided to act over concerns about noise and safety, according to project co-ordinator Simon Hey:

"Apart from the excessive disturbance to residents living alongside the A591, especially in the early hours from heavy vehicles, there is a significant risk to residents and tourists having to cross the road near the Swan Hotel.

"The most worrying danger is to children who have to cross the road here to go to the village primary school or to catch the school bus at the top of Swan Lane opposite the hotel.

"There are no pedestrian crossings at all along the A591.

"I've been overtaken by motorcyclists with wheels in the air, and people going way over the speed limit - it's crazy."

"After two years of working with the police, noting down details of speeding cars, we managed to raise the requisite funds from Cumbria County Council Highways, Lakes Parish Council, two personal contributions from councillors, and The Swan Hotel."

READ MORE: Announcement of speed limit reductions on major roads 'long overdue'

Simon said that four supporting posts for the sign have been installed, near the top of Pye Lane, near the Swan Hotel, towards the roundabout with Stock Lane, and in Broadgate opposite the children's playground. so that the sign can be more effective by being moved around:

"We put the sign in different places to counter the effects of 'sign-blindness' as it can jog people's attention.

"Early indications show that the sign is having the desired effect, and we've had good local feedback.

"There is certainly research to show that this type of sign can be as effective as cameras, and I've witnessed people slowing down when the sign is flashing.

"We can program the sign ourselves, so that we control at what speed the sign flashes.

"The sign has data recording which can be analysed and may be used in support of any further considerations for speed calming measures in the future."