By Sarah Newstead

Last updated 05:34, Friday, 25 July 2008

SPEED traps in North Allerdale have been taken off the roads following health and safety concerns.

Educating motorists: Inspector Dawn Allen

The orange-coloured devices displaying passing vehicles’ speeds have been suspended after two police officers sustained back injuries while relocating them.

Speed Indication Devices (SIDs) were introduced to towns and villages in the region around two years ago in a bid to crack down on drivers breaking the law in speed hotspots.

They were manually moved around by the police each week depending on which area had been highlighted for action. Officers would lift the devices into police vehicles for transportation.

But now a health and safety review must take place before the devices can be reinstated.

Inspector Dawn Allen said: “North Allerdale Local Policing Team works with local volunteers to rotate the SIDs around the parishes. In doing so, a couple of local officers have received injuries to their backs.

“I have met with local county councillors and the county council co-ordinator to seek improvements to the SID scheme.”

Local reports have suggested that a minority of “boy racer” drivers will accelerate past the devices to see how high a speed they can notch up. However, police say the SIDs educate motorists about their speed and encourage them to self-regulate.

While the review is underway, police have pledged to continue their bid to stamp out speeding in the region and have urged local people to get involved.

Insp Allen added: “Officers will be in the parishes with radar speed detection guns in order to educate motorists and also to prosecute those caught speeding. Those who wish to volunteer to assist in this scheme should make contact with their local parish or town council.”

The SIDs are jointly funded by town and parish councils along with the Cumbria Constabulary.