Campaigners are aiming to slow the progress of speeding cars on the village's roads – by putting a hearse on display with a huge 30mph sign on the side.

Howard and Janet Rimmer, landlords of Whitley's George and Dragon pub, have parked a hearse – complete with coffin and blue flashing lights – outside their hostelry.

The couple and other villagers have campaigned for the past 12 months for North Yorkshire County Council Highways chiefs and police to install more traffic measures, such as signs and speed cameras, along the busy A19. But despite their efforts, no action has been taken.

Howard said he felt compelled to resort to the spine-chilling method to get their 'kill your speed' message across.

He added: "A regular of ours suffered a broken pelvis about three weeks ago after being hit by a speeding motorist.

"We felt something had to be done before a fatality occurred, and we felt this was the answer.

"We normally use the hearse to advertise our Hallowe'en events, but felt this was an effective way of getting motorists to drive much slower."

He said many motorists were horrified when they passed the hearse, and when they saw the blue lights on top, their speed dropped dramatically.

Howard added: "The fact this is a hearse sends out a clear message and might make people think twice before putting their foot down. If you speed, you endanger your own and others' lives."