NEW rules look set to be introduced making it easier for local authorities to impose 20mph speed limits in accident black-spots. Local councils already have powers to introduce such limits, but need approval from the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions before they can go ahead.

However Transport Minister Gavin Strang has told the Labour Party Local Government Conference that authorities may soon be able to take the decision on their own. There are more than 300 schemes of this kind running in the UK and they have proved very successful in cutting accidents, particularly among child pedestrians and cyclists.

A DETR spokesman said: 'The schemes running around the country have resulted in between 60% and 70% reductions in very serious accidents. Clearly we are now fairly convinced that these are a good investment and are looking at taking away that level of approval.'