POLICE are introducing new weapons in the battle to drive down traffic speeds in Gwent.

The two new portable signs, which tell drivers how fast they are travelling, will be in operation across the county in around two weeks.

Officers are already using one of the signs - known as 'speed visors' - on loan from Newport council.

Because of its success at slowing motorists, the Gwent force is buying two signs of its own.

Over the last six months the signs, which cost £4,000 each, have proved they bring down speeds by an average of 5mph.

Sergeant John Brown, of the Gwent police safety camera unit, said: "We are one of leading police forces in using this type of equipment.

"We need to get people to reduce speed and that will mean fewer accidents."

He said the extra cameras would encourage further drops in speed in problem areas across Gwent.

Sgt Brown said the signs were placed at sites with bad accident records or other speed-related problems.

He said: "As a motorist approaches, the speed visor sign flashes up the speed. A radar homes in on the vehicle and gives a running commentary of the speed during the approach.

"It's good for local residents as they can see the impact on speed straight away.

"In general the reduction in speed is around five per cent."

He said the signs had a 100 per cent success rate in encouraging motorists to drive slower.

They cannot be used in evidence for securing a speeding offence prosecution.

They take minutes to set up and can be used where it may be difficult to use camera vans.

Vans and static cameras are only used where there has been a cluster of serious or fatal accidents, so the speed visors can be used in areas which do not meet those criteria.