MOTORISTS travelling through east Cleveland are to see a lot more of Smiley Sid.

That is the nickname given to an electronic road sign that smiles if a driver sticks to the speed limit - but frowns if he does not.

Following the runaway success of two Smiley Sids across the borough, six more are to be installed at locations in the district.

Redcar and Cleveland Council's six area environment committees have agreed a month-long programme for the signs, funded through the council's Local Transport Plan.

Data from the signs, which can store more than 50,000 vehicle speeds, will help the council with statistical analysis in its efforts to reducing accident statistics.

Councillor Eric Empson, the council's cabinet member for strategic planning, development and infrastructure said: "The signs are a friendly reminder to motorists - they don't record number plates and they don't issue fixed penalty notices.

"But what they do is get a positive reaction from motorists. We have had several reports of drivers deliberately slowing down after getting that downcast look. It may seem a simple idea, but they are very often the best."

* Two men who mistakenly thought they had been caught speeding on camera, made off with a Smiley Sid after cutting the £3,000 speed sign down from a lamppost in Fabian Road, Eston, two years ago.