A CITY'S first solar powered traffic signs are up and running.

The signs, warning motorists of traffic signals ahead, were installed on Heaton Road, 200 yards south of St Theresa's Church, in Newcastle, on Friday.

They have a solar panel on top powering a rechargeable battery, and in the dark, stay lit by using a photoelectric cell and light emitting diodes.

As well as saving electricity, the signs are easier to install, and their light emitting diodes have a life expectancy of 100,000 hours compared with the 4,000 hours of a conventional lamp.

The cost of the sign, including installation, is comparable with that of a conventional sign, but its low maintenance costs and non-reliance on electricity makes it cheaper in the long run.

There are plans to install further solar signs on Newcastle's Central Motorway and Coast Road.

Councillor Linda Wright, Newcastle City Council's cabinet member for the environment, public health and safety, said: "The installation of one set of solar powered traffic signs may not seem tremendously significant in itself, but the combination of smaller initiatives, such as this, can make just as significant a contribution to the world's environment as far grander schemes.

"Some people may not think we have enough sun in the North-East to make this scheme practical, but as these signs shine out through the night, they will remind us all of just what can be achieved."