The smiley effect: desire for happy face slashes driver speeds

Data at every smiley face sign shows drivers actively avoid getting the red grumpy face in 50k/pH zones in Cairns. See how your suburb fared.

Cairns Regional Council has found that the roadside speed warning signs that flash red when you speed and flash green with a happy face are slowing motorists, with speed decreases of over 20 kilometres per hour shown after the installation of the radar. Bonni Barker from Brinsmead takes her kelpie cross Daisy walking along Collins Aenue in Edge Hill a couple of times a week, and has noticed a difference in motorist's behaviours after the installation of the electronic signs. Brendan Radke

More than 30 smiley face road signs throughout Cairns encourage drivers to slow down – and they’re a raging success, with drivers slowing by more than 25k/pH at some spots.

Data shows drivers want the green smiley face not the cranky red face and will slow to the speed limit to get that smile.

Cairns Regional Council has found that the roadside speed warning signs that flash red when you speed and flash green with a happy face are slowing motorists, with speed decreases of over 20 kilometres per hour shown after the installation of the radar. Brendan Radke

Cairns Regional Council infrastructure and assets director Mark Wuth said the smiley face signs were put in as traffic calming measures in spots where speed bumps weren’t appropriate.

Smiley faces began appearing in 2017 with a trial showing a dramatic reduction in speeding.

Mr Wuth said council had put in 36 smiley faces at a cost of about $7000 each.

He said signs were moved as needed.

Cairns Regional Council has found that the roadside speed warning signs that flash red when you speed and flash green with a happy face are slowing motorists, with speed decreases of over 20 kilometres per hour shown after the installation of the radar. Bonni Barker from Brinsmead takes her kelpie cross Daisy walking along Collins Aenue in Edge Hill a couple of times a week, and has noticed a difference in motorist's behaviours after the installation of the electronic signs. Brendan Radke

“The aim of the signs is not to replace policing, as this is this is still the primary measure to deal with motorists who disregard speed limits,” Mr Wuth said.

“The signs aim to provide a positive reinforcement message to encourage drivers to adhere to speed limits - they have been found to be quite effective.”

In 50km/h zones, the smiley face at Dalton St, Westcourt, has created a reduction in speed of 25.82km/h and at Hayward St, Mooroobool, a cut of 20.76km/h.

Originally published as The smiley effect: desire for happy face slashes driver speeds