A DEVICE that thanks passing motorists for not speeding has been installed at an accident blackspot in a bid to make the road safer.

The electronic sign in Shear Brow, Blackburn, near its junction with Highbury Place, was installed after residents called for action.

It shows the approaching motorist's speed, and if they are exceeding the 30 mile an hour speed limit, the words "slow down" are displayed. Drivers going 30mph or under are told "thank you".

The most recent accident on Shear Brow road involved 17-year-old student Sajida Esmail, of Holland Street.

She was badly injured when she was struck by a car as she crossed the road last month.

Ward Coun Suleman Khonat said there had been eight recorded accidents on the road in the past two years, but that did not include near misses or incidents where no-one was injured.

He welcomed the device and said another would be installed near the road's junction with Randal Street.

Coun Khonat said: "We have already got one speed camera on Shear Brow, but it is not sufficient because of the length of the road.

"I have noticed that people are slowing down.

"I am really grateful for that because it shows that people are taking care."

He said ideally there would be another speed camera on the road but that the special signs were a step in the right direction.

Coun Khonat added that the council had been working hard with the police to see the introduction of the board.