Speed Indicator Device: Operation, Installation, Price
Speeding is a common issue in many towns across the UK, posing a threat to the safety of residents and drivers alike. Radar speed signs offer a pratical solution aimed at raising awareness among motorists and encouraging them to reduce their speed in a sustainable way.
But how exactly do these speed indicator devices work? What are the current laws in place? Who is allowed to install them, and what are the costs involved? Let’s explore the key aspects of these essential tools.
How does a radar speed display sign work? Does it issue fines?
How is driver’s speed detected?
A radar speed sign uses a Doppler antenna to measure the speed of passing vehicles.
The antenna works by harnessing the “Doppler effect”, which observes changes in the frequency of radio waves reflected by moving objects, such as cars.
Think of the Doppler antenna as a type of radar that sends out radio waves. When a car passes by, these waves bounce off the vehicle and return to the antenna. If the car is approaching quickly, the waves return faster; if the car is moving slowly, the waves take longer to come back. The radar then calculates the car’s speed based on this variable and displays the speed on a screen for the driver to see and adjust their driving accordingly.
Unlike traditional speed cameras, radar speed display signs do not issue fines. Their main purpose is to raise awareness and encourage safer driving by showing drivers their speed.
Preventive radar signs VS punitive radar devices: What is the difference?
Unlike punitive radar devices, which penalise speeding drivers, radar speed signs display a vehicle’s speed in real time on an LED screen, often accompanied by a personalised message such as “Thank you” or “Danger” to encourage drivers to slow down.
Radar speed signs are purely informational devices and do not issue any fines. Their primary role is preventive, focusing on educating drivers rather than punishing them. By clearly displaying a driver’s speed, they grab attention and make drivers immediately aware of how their speed compares to the legal limit.
Do radar speed signs flash?
No, radar speed signs do not flash. Since they are not used to issue fines, they do not need to flash drivers. They simply detect a vehicle’s speed from a distance and use this information to display a personalised message.
What are speed display signs used for?
The main purpose of a speed display sign is to raise driver’s awareness of their speed and encourage them to adhere to speed limits. By doing so, these radar signs reduce the average speed on roads where they are installed, improving road safety.
In addition, speed display signs can collect valuable traffic data, such as vehicle counts and average speeds, which can help local authorities in making informed decisions. The data gathered can also be used to identify peak traffic times and high-risk areas, enabling more efficient traffic management and better implementation of safety measures in the community.
Radar speed sign results in a few key figures
Studies and feedback have shown that radar speed display signs are highly effective in reducing vehicle speeds.
At Elan City, we have observed a speed reduction of approximately 25% following the installation of a radar speed display sign. Many towns equipped with these speed indicator devices report a notable reduction in speeding, leading to improved road safety and motivating further investment in additionnal units. With radar signs in place, drivers become more conscious of their speed and adjust their behaviour accordingly.
How to choose the right radar speed sign?
When selecting a speed indicator device to meet your needs, consider the following criteria:
- Visibility: To ensure the radar functions reliably at all times, a display that is clear and easy to read from a distance, even in poor weather conditions, is crucial. Opt for a radar with anti-glare features so that it remains visible in both bright sunlight and rain.
- Power options: There are several power modes for radar speed signs. Most towns that adopt these road safety systems choose solar-powered speed indicator devices for their autonomy and eco-friendliness. Elan City’s solar‑powered radar speed signs, for example, are designed to function even on cloudy days, depending on the solar panel and its capture capacity. If solar power isn’t feasible in your area, radar signs can also run on battery power or be connected to the local grid.
- Ease of installation: Choose lightweight, pre-configured models that are easy to install without requiring significant work or incurring additional installation costs.
- Features: Look for solutions that offer traffic data recording capabilities, connectivity (Bluetooth, 3G/4G), and the ability to display customisable messages for better interaction with drivers. These features are highly beneficial for daily traffic management.
- Mobility: In some towns, the presence of multiple high-risk areas may pose challenges for local authorities and residents alike. In such cases, consider choosing a mobile radar speed sign that can be relocated to address different problem zones as needed.
It’s essential to select a model that meets your town’s specific needs, taking local conditions and safety objectives into account. At Elan City, we prioritise offering the most effective models on the market to encourage drivers to slow down.
The lays govering radar speed display signs
In the UK, radar speed sign commonly known as vehicle activated signs must adhere to road safety and signage regulations. They should not be confused with punitive speed cameras, which require specific authorisation to issue fines.
Radar speed display signs are solely intended for raising awareness and educating drivers, which has led to their widespread acceptance by local authorities. In the UK, these speed indicator devices are designed to comply with the broader road safety framework and must be visible and reliable in all conditions. They can also collect traffic data to help authorities identify patterns and implement further safety measures, although this data is not used for enforcement purposes.
The regulations govering radar speed signs are determined by guidelines from the Department for Transport and local councils. Some key considerations include:
- Display colours: Radar speed signs typically use green or amber to display speeds within the limit, while red is used to signal excessive speeds.
- Warning messages: Alert messages such as “SLOW DOWN” and “DANGER” are commonly used for speeds exceeding the limit to encourage drivers to adjust their behaviour immediately. This is essential in reinforcing the preventive rather than punitive purpose of these signs.
- Pictograms: In the UK, a simple visual cue such as a flashing warning sign may alternate with speed readings when a vehicle exceeds the speed limit. However, the design and style must comply with local road safety standards.
- Design and visibility: The structure of radar speed signs is required to be highly visible in the UK, often featuring bright colours and reflective elements to capture drivers’attention in various conditions, including poor weather.
- Speed thresholds: While these devices do not display speeds above certain thresholds in France, local authorities in the UK have the discretion to determine how and where these radar signs are used. There are no strict thresholds, but the focus remains on reducing excessive speeds rather than encouraging competition among drivers.
Who can install a radar speed sign and how does the process work?
Local authorities, in particular town councils, are the main entities responsible for the installation of speed indicator devices.
The process typically begins with a site study to identify strategic locations, followed by the actual installation. With radar speed signs from Elan City, there are no additional fees, and you won’t need specialised technicians. Our devices are designed for straightforward installation, enabling local councils, police departments or technical teams to handle the set-up themselves.
Installation involves securely mounting the radar sign to a pole or structure, configuring the measurement and display settings, and ensuring that it is visible and easily readable from the road. A single person can complete the entire process with ease.
How much does a radar speed sign cost?
The cost of a radar speed sign varies depending on the features and options chosen. Our EVOLIS radar speed signs can be tailored to suit the budgets of towns of all sizes, and our team is available to help guide you in your selection.
When considering the initial investment, it is important to factor in potential savings from reduced accidents and road infrastructure maintenance.
In addition, our speed indicator devices are eligible for county-level grants funded by traffic fines, enabling towns to receive financial support for their installation, making these road safety devices more accessible.
Why choose an Elan City speed indicator device?
Choosing Elan City means opting for a trusted leader in road safety solutions, well‑established in Europe for the quality of our products and services. With our EVOLIS radar speed signs, we offer a robust and effective solution to help improve road safety in communities across the UK.
IFor more details, take a closer look at our flagship model, EVOLIS Vision. Investing in an EVOLIS radar speed sign is an important step towards improving road safety and enhancing the quality of life for your community.
If you have any further questions, please visit our FAQ section.