SPEEDING drivers will be shamed into slowing down at problem sites with more electronic signs.

Durham County Council plans to introduce more Active Speed Signs, which show drivers their speed.

The signs, which will be used for two weeks at a time as a "short, sharp shock", will be backed by police enforcement.

A Speed Watch Action Team (Swat), staffed by the county council and the police will be set up to react to complaints of speeding.

The two-pronged approach, which will be discussed by the county council on Monday, aims to reduce speeding in neighbourhoods.

Environment cabinet member Councillor Bob Pendlebury said: "Active Speed Signs have been on trial at several sites in the county, and early indications show they are not only popular with the public, but are reducing speed at certain locations.

"We believe more of these signs should be introduced as an alternative to traffic calming."

It is hoped that each of the council's Member Area Panels will buy at least one sign.

Sites in each area will be identified and prioritised, and the signs moved about every forntnight.

Coun Pendlebury said: "Trials suggest this gives an optimum impact and deterrent value without it becoming commonplace and ignored."

The unit will tackle speeding in neighbourhoods where people ask for traffic-calming.

Initially for two years, the scheme will also use distinctive vehicles, with monitoring and enforcement equipment funded by the county council.

It will be manned by the police, and both organisations will investigate problem areas and target offenders.

Coun Pendlebury said: "Swat will also work with local communities to investigate specific local traffic management issues, enabling problems to be carefully and fully evaluated to identify the best solution.

"This will ensure that local communities have a better understanding of the cause of the problem and avoid the installation of inappropriate or unnecessary traffic calming."