Wheelie bins are being used to remind drivers of 30mph speed zones in an innovative approach to road safety in the Wealden district.

Local speed watch groups, co-ordinated by the Wealden neighbourhood policing team, have been utilised successfully in helping to reduce speeding motorists by educating speeders and making them aware of their actual speed. However, the groups are unable to be there all the time and asked if extra 30mph signage could be erected in built-up areas.

With national limitations on the amount of road signage in any particular area, the idea of placing speed signage on council wheelie bins was discussed. With funding from the Safer Wealden Partnership, stickers were purchased and with the assistance of Wealden District Council, the signs were placed on dustbins in Horsebridge, Hailsham.

Wealden district policing commander Chief Inspector Dick Coates said: "Neighbourhood panels, made up of residents in Wealden almost always identify speeding motor vehicles as an issue. My teams continually look at ways of dealing with these problems. Along with ongoing enforcement of speeding motorists, education is a priority. We have some excellent speed watch groups that work tirelessly across Wealden and the bin stickers are another innovative way of educating motorists."

If you would like to join your local speed watch group or neighbourhood panel, please contact Wealden police on 101 extension 68310 or e-mail district.wealden@sussex.pnn.police.uk.