VANDALS are wrecking £2,000 traffic signs which frown at speeding motorists.

It is thought the culprits are mistaking the electronic signs for speed cameras and are attempting to scrap them.

The illuminating signs, known as "Smiley Sids", have been in force across Redcar and east Cleveland for more than two years.

The signs will light up with a smiling face if vehicles stay within the speed limit. But the expression changes to a frown for those travelling too fast.

The signs were installed as part of a pilot project, but for the third time in a matter of months, have been vandalised, forcing Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to replace them at £2,000 a time.

The council said the signs are not used to issue fines and do not have cameras fitted.

Road safety manager Mike Hall said: "We can only think that people believe the Smiley Sid signs are speed cameras, but even for that reason, it's just mindless vandalism.

"We believe people are climbing up the lamp standards where these signs are fixed, and smashing the back panels.

"Any help to track down who is responsible would be greatly appreciated."

The council's cabinet member for strategic development, planning and infrastructure, Councillor Eric Empson, said he did not think it was motorists who were responsible.

He said: "It's the everyday vandal just for devilment.

"At first, it was assumed it was drivers who were mistakenly believing they were recording speed and registering numbers.

"But with these last couple of instances, I just wonder if in fact it's not the motorist to blame but everyday vandals.

"I can't imagine the motorists are going to stop their cars, get out and smash them up.

"We only put these devices where local people ask for them. They are merely a safety and educational tool and they are successful.

"They have been shown to reduce the number of accidents."

Leaflets have been distributed to homes and schools in the areas where Smiley Sids are located in a bid to highlight the problem and the safety benefits of the signs