SIX solar-powered road signs are "going live" this week in a bid to cut road casualties and speeding drivers.

Bury Council is spending £170,000 to install 24 signs across the borough at spots where traffic speeds have been partially to blame for accidents.

The first six signs are in Bolton Road, Hawkshaw; Lumb Carr Road, Ramsbottom; Brandlesholme Road, Bury; Cockey Moor Road, Ainsworth; and two sites in Lowercroft Road, Bury.

The signs will only illuminate if approaching vehicles are travelling too fast, and will display a variety of warnings to drivers. These include speed limit roundels, "slow down" messages, the measured speed of approaching vehicles, and site-specific warnings such as "bend" signs.

A number of signs were designed at the council's request so that they can display more than one message, and are the first to be manufactured.

Both the police and the Greater Manchester Safety Camera Partnership will carry out regular enforcement by using mobile speed cameras. The project has been endorsed by the Bury Road Casualty Reduction Group involving the council, NHS, police and emergency services. Councillor John Byrne, executive member for environment and transport, said: "We hope that by introducing these new signs that not only will vehicle speeds drop, there will also be fewer people hurt. All motorists need to realise the dangers that they face on today's roads and take the necessary action."

*The remaining signs will be installed at: Whalley Road, Shuttleworth; Bolton Road West, Ramsbottom; Turton Road, Tottington; in Bury: Walmersley Road, Bolton Road, Bell Lane, Radcliffe Road, Manchester Road (two sites), and Croft Lane (two sites); in Prestwich: Bury New Road, Bury Old Road, Sheepfoot Lane, and Hilton Lane; Bolton Road, Radcliffe; Ringley Road, Stand; Radcliffe New Road, Whitefield.