Discussions with Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Police

At every stage of this process there have been discussions with Staffordshire County Council Highways personnel and Staffordshire Police who fully support this initiative. The exact locations of the SIDs and gates, at acknowledged speeding problem spots, were approved by both authorities. Ongoing monitoring of their performance together with cooperation with neighbouring CSW teams continues.

Regular Meetings with other Community Speed Watch Teams

Mayfield Community Speed Watch Team has regular meetings with Ellastone CSW Team, Derbyshire Safer Roads Partnership, and other Parish Councils to discuss Speed Watch results and share best practice.

What has been the experience of SID so far?

The data shows that this initiative has slowed the traffic within those areas, and we have received good comments from parishioners. The Mayfield CSW works closely with colleagues in Ellastone and beyond who installed their devices at a similar time and whose positive experience mirrors that of Mayfield. A joint meeting was held in November 2024 at which Ellastone & Mayfield CSWs shared experience and identified priorities.

Key aims moving forward

Key aims are to achieve the reduction of speed limits to 30mph from the Calwich/Rose & Crown direction. Reduce the speed limit from Hanging Bridge to Mayfield from 40mph to 30mph. Reduce the speed limit from 50mph to 40mph from Swinscoe to the Mayfield junction on the A52, and an increase in regular support from the Police camera monitoring team.

What is a SID?

A SID can be a battery or solar operated radar device that detects speed of vehicles up to 150m from its position. The Mayfield devices are solar powered. It indicates speed of vehicles travelling towards the sign with an appropriate message to the drivers. It also detects the speed of vehicles travelling in the opposite direction away from the sign. There is no camera, no record is kept of vehicle registrations. SIDs can only be installed in areas with speed limits of 30/40/50 mph.

What is recorded by a SID?

It records the volume of the vehicles passing the sign in either direction at set intervals, the average and maximum speed of the vehicles and the date & time. The accumulated data is downloaded from the SIDs on the monthly basis and published on the CSW website. A data set will also be sent regularly to the police to enable monitoring of peak vehicle flow times.

What message does the SID display?

The Mayfield SIDs display a “THANK YOU” message in green or a smiley face to drivers who conform to the speed limit and a “SLOW DOWN” message in red to those drivers travelling too fast. For vehicles travelling more than 10mph above the speed limit for the road the sign will flash a red triangle and a Slow Down message but will not display the actual speed. This is designed specifically as an “anti-racing” measure to ensure that reckless individuals do not attempt to “game” the system.

How many and where are the SID locations?

There are 2 devices and they are situated where SCC Highways Team advised and were installed by a qualified, licenced operator.
– Ashlea Drive entrance on the B5032 Solar Device in a 30mph area.
– Main Road B 5032 between the Rose & Crown and Hermitage Lane, Solar Device in a 40mph area.