EMERGENCY service chiefs hope a speed matrix sign will slow traffic and reduce accidents.

The sign has been bought by the community safety partnership Safer Ryedale for use by firefighters in the district.

Danny Westmoreland, of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The signs flash when motorists are driving over the limit and record speeds they are travelling at, so we can build a picture of how fast people are driving.

"Also, drivers know immediately if they are speeding and we can see them dramatically slow down. Hopefully, the reminder will make them think about their behaviour in the longer term."

The sign is the third bought by the partnership.