by Stuart Pike

TRAFFIC speeds around Hyndburn town centres could be set to drop, following backing for more 20mph zones.

The concept has been approved in principle by Hyndburn's county councillors.

At the Hyndburn Local meeting County Councillor Peter Britcliffe said: "People will be amazed when you see the difference it makes reducing the speed from 30 to 20. In other countries they've introduced 20mph limits in towns they've made a significant contribution to reducing injuries and fatalities.

"I would like us in Hyndburn to consider introducing more 20mph limits. When breathalysers were introduced by Barbara Castle people were aghast but now it's socially unacceptable to drink and drive."

Previous studies have suggested that it would cost �5M to introduce a blanket 20mph limit across Lancashire.

Known as the Portsmouth Model, the scheme was devised by the Hampshire city council to apply the limit to all urban unclassified roads.

In Hyndburn no specific routes have yet been agreed although Accrington's Ribblesdale Avenue has been put forward as an example at previous Hyndburn Locals.

County Councillor Malcolm Pritchard welcomed the idea and admitted he had recently been caught speeding at 36mph in a 30 zone.

He said: "I will have to watch my speed because just recently I got pulled up in Great Harwood. I would advise anybody to go on that course because you do learn a lot in a day."

County Councillor Graham Jones felt some "discretion" should be used and the views of residents listened to.

He said: "I think there are certain cases where we have measured the traffic speed and while the evidence has been indeterminate, on safety issues the public know it's a dangerous highway."

The Local agreed to produce a report into existing 20mph roads and how these schemes might be extended.