Make SAM smile - that was the message as a campaign to relieve speed-plagued villages across Norfolk was launched yesterday. Two vans kitted out with electronic signs warning drivers to slow down have been introduced, allowing any community in the county to take positive action against speeding motorists.

Make SAM smile - that was the message as a campaign to relieve speed-plagued villages across Norfolk was launched yesterday.

Two vans kitted out with electronic signs warning drivers to slow down have been introduced, allowing any community in the county to take positive action against speeding motorists.

The Speed Awareness Messages (SAM) use measurement devices placed at various locations in a village while an operator is based in a marked vehicle. The intention is to educate rather than punish drivers, with anyone travelling within the limit rewarded with a happy face and those travelling above the limit shown a sad face.

Norfolk County Council road safety manager Stuart Hallett said: "One of the most complaints we have from parish councils is about speeding. This will provide a rapid response to those complaints.

"What makes it different to schemes in the past is that communities will be able to provide information about the exact nature of the problem which we can then address. If, for example, the school run is a particular problem we can target that time of day.

"This will serve two purposes. Firstly, the presence of the vehicles will act as a deterrent to speeding motorists and, secondly, the information we gather can be used to come up with long-term solutions.

"If we do find a particular location has a problem we can then look at making it a mobile camera sign, introducing engineering solutions or putting in place permanent vehicle activated signage."

For more information contact 01603 276445 or email sam@norfolk.pnn.police.uk