How many smiles an hour does your car go? Essex drivers are facing a new kind of speed detector which grins at people who stick to the speed limit but frowns at lawbreakers

The signs - called Speed Indicator Display (SID) signs - also show the speed vehicles are doing but will not automatically send out fines like cameras do.

Instead, police officers will be on site to prosecute motorists in certain cases.

Nine SIDs have been bought as part of a joint effort between Essex County Council and Essex Police to get drivers to stick to the limit.

County councillor Susan Flack, deputy to the cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "We want to reassure local communities that we are listening to their concerns and also helping people to keep within the law.

"The signs will complement safety cameras, but are not meant as a replacement."

Published Wednesday April 14, 2004

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