Shropshire highway chiefs are planning to spend £40,000 on installing more vehicle-activated speed signs on county roads in a bid to cut the number of traffic accidents.

Next week’s meeting of the county council is being asked to approve a draft signs policy for consultation with stakeholders.

Members are also being recommended to approve a trial of the policy with up to 10 parish and town councils from April 1.

Phil Crossland, assistant director for transport and highways, says in a report that speeding is a “major concern” for residents in Shropshire and the issue continues to be raised on a regular basis with officers and councillors.

“Studies show that when drivers reduce speed, collisions are less likely and if there are collisions at lower speeds there will be less serious injury,” says Mr Crossland.

“This is particularly true for vulnerable road users such as children and older people.”

There are currently 10 such signs in Shropshire and three have been partially or wholly funded by parish councils.

The draft policy sets out the criteria for their use, funding and specifically cost-sharing arrangements.

Mr Crossland says that locations where speeding concerns have been identified, will be assessed and speeds will be “covertly monitored” by officers using hand-held radar devices.