HOWZAT! Highway chiefs are celebrating a top score in their bid to reduce the number of speeding motorists on the area's intricate motorway network.

A novel 'cricket scoreboard' sign, introduced on the M6 at Leyland during recent roadworks, kept a count of the number of motorists caught speeding through the contraflows by cameras.

The Highways Agency now claims the large yellow sign helped cut speeding by 75 per cent during the complex roadworks.

Following the success of the campaign in Leyland, the idea will be repeated nationally wherever roadworks are introduced over a long period of time.

The sign first appeared on the M6 in at Leyland in May after 1,169 motorists were caught speeding during the first two weeks of a resurfacing contract.

Speed cameras had been used in the areas over two years and had proved successful in reducing the number of accidents. But Roy Wood, Highways Agency project manager, believes his organisation has hit a real winning streak with the latest idea.

He said: "The new sign proved very effective in reducing the number of motorists detected exceeding the temporary mandatory 50mph limit at the roadworks.

"On average, there was an impressive 75 per cent reduction in the number of motorists detected exceeding the speed limit, after the sign was erected."

He added: "The scoreboard was put in place to hit home to the hard core of motorists who ignore speed camera warning signs, which act as a deterrent for most people, that they will get caught.

"The sign was regularly updated and it has appeared to have worked."

Police say accident rates double when roadworks are imposed.

The use of speed cameras and these signs actually reduced the rate by 50 per cent.

Roy said: "It is a warning which appears to have worked."

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