DRIVERS have expressed concerns after a speed indicator sign stopped working the same day police patrols were stepped up in the area.

The electronic sign, in Revidge Road, is sited near Corporation Park, Blackburn, to help motorists stick to the 30mph speed limit.

Sandy Woods, who lives in Park Farm Road and travels along the stretch of road every day, said he was driving along the road on Tuesday, and found it strange when he saw the sign was broken and a police car waiting just up the road.

But Blackburn with Darwen Council said the sign was not swit-ched off, and that driv-ers should stick to the limit, even if it is not working.

Mr Woods, 57, said: “I was on my way home and there was a car in front doing a manoeuvre, so I had slowed right down.

“I noticed the board wasn’t working, which was unusual and then, up the road a little bit, there was a police car sitting there and some poor citizen was getting a ticket.

“I can fully understand why they have got the speed indicator there. It is a very good place to have it and it works every other day, but it was ridiculous.”

Stuart Scott, network manager at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “This advisory speed indicator was not switched off.

“This is a 30mph road though so, regardless of whether there’s a sign or not, motorists should still be keeping to the limit.”

Sgt Pete Sculpher, from the road policing unit, said the extra patrol was put on in response to residents’ concerns.

He said: “Local residents have raised concerns to us about people driving down Revidge Road at excessive speed.

“The local authority has carried out some engineering works to improve the safety, but people continue to drive too fast.

“If people want to avoid a speeding ticket, and a fine, and penalty points, then it is very simple – do not speed.”