SPEEDING traffic along a narrow Teignmouth residential road became so bad it prompted a group of residents to plaster their street with unofficial 20 mph signs in 1999.

They hoped the signs on windows and walls in Lower Brimley Road would prompt motorists to slow down and drife more carefully.

One of the co-ordinators, Barbara Comer, said the road was very narrow and winding, but was being used as a rat run.

‘It is very dangerous here, particularly for children and the elderly,’ she declared.

‘We are sick of aggressive motorists and decided to do something ourselves because months of badgering the councils to act and make the road safer have coming to nothing.

‘We realise the signs have no legal standing, but I am sure most motorists will get the message and ease off the speed.

‘Many motorists have already told us they support the 20 mph limit because they are worried about the speeders as well.’

The road has already suffered one fatality – a motorcyclist – and the residents have formed an action group and forwarded a 200 name petition to the county council demanding the traffic calming measures.

Barbara hinted that if the DIY signs did not chivvy the council into coming up with a solution, then even more militant steps would be taken.

The residents are being supported by local councillors Roy and Julie Phillips, who went along to view the signs.

‘They do have a big problem there, and I am just sorry that the local authorities have not been able to help them.

‘You can’t blame them for taking direct action,’ said Roy.

Footnote: The campaign came to nothing, but the road is now so packed with parked cars that most vehicles have little chance of speeding.