Drivers face a frown if they travel too fast

Hetton Primary School in Hetton-le-Hole, in County Durham, will be the first to benefit from speed cameras that flash up a sad face at drivers who ignore the limit.

But they will also flash up a smiley face at drivers who stick within the law.

The portable cameras, piloted by Sunderland City Council, will be outside schools for up to two hours at a time.

While speeding drivers will not be fined, council chiefs are hoping the new scheme will raise awareness of speed limits around schools.

Ann Marie Burns, headteacher of Hetton Primary School, said: "It is quite a fast road and we don't have any crossing patrol.

"Anything that can be helpful with safety will be welcomed but I think the cameras sound like a good idea.

"They are also good from the children's point of view as they will like the smiley faces and tell their parents and other grown-ups about them."

The project is believed to be the first of its kind for the region.

The cameras were unveiled at the launch of the Safer Routes to School Programme for the Hetton and Houghton area.

They are designed to work along with new school zones which have recently been introduced outside seven primary schools in the area.