NEW signs telling drivers to slow down if they are speeding have been installed in the York area.

The vehicle-activated signs flash a warning to drivers if they approach them faster than the legal speed limit.

The first phase of the initiative saw 11 signs installed by contractors working for the City of York Council Two were erected in Bishopthorpe, two in Copmanthorpe, two in Woodthorpe, two in Wetherby Road and one each in Beckfield Lane, Fulford, and Moor Lane.

Coun Quentin Macdonald, who represents Rural West York Ward, welcomed the initiative to cut motorists' speed.

He said: "I am delighted that these signs have been installed in Copmanthorpe.

"The signs will be a big boost to road- users and residents in the area.

"Those already installed in other parts of the city have proved to be effective at cutting drivers' speeds in residential areas.

"There will always be a small minority of drivers who exceed the speed limit, and we will be working with the police to ensure that speed limits are enforced.

"However, I am pleased the council has today taken action to ensure local residents are protected."

Including the 11 already fitted, the city council will install 22 vehicle activated signs, pictured, across the city in a major effort to curb speeding. They have been funded by the council, ward committees and parish councils and will all be installed by the end of April.

Coun Glen Bradley, who also represents Rural West York, said: "I am very happy to support this initiative that has proved successful in trials in the city.

"Residents do feel that these signs make drivers think about the speed they are driving and that they are an effective way to reduce speeds in residential areas.

"In Copmanthorpe, the ward committee has shown its support by funding signs on roads where it sees that a problem exists."

Two more signs are to be placed at Haxby, two in Stockton Lane and one each in Elvington, Heslington, Huntington, Melrosegate, Shipton Road, Water Lane, plus another one in Copmanthorpe.