Move to pilot 20mph speed limit scheme

It could then be rolled out across Walsall to resolve the issue of roads having different limits around the borough. The trial of the '20 is plenty' approach in residential streets has been agreed as part of the coalition agreement at Walsall Council between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives.

It is expected to be trialled in New Invention and Short Heath this year. Willenhall councillor Ian Shires, a member of the decision-making council cabinet, said that there is currently a mix of roads with 20mph and others with 30 mph and speed humps or chicanes.

The aim is to cut down on speeds and make it safer for the likes of pensioners to cross the road.

He said: "If it is successful we would be looking to roll it out across the borough. Initially we would be looking at hotspots where we have had problems with rat runs and accidents.

"There is no consistency, it is very hit and miss at the moment.

"If we get to the stage where all the roads in residential areas were 20mph there would be no need to put the humps in as people would know," Councillor Shires added.

"If you are driving off a main road into a residential area you would know it is 20mph."

Walsall would not be unique in adopting a '20 is plenty' policy.

There is a national campaign which is lobbying for lower speeds in general.

It emerged earlier this year that restrictions were being looked at by the council.

Around £25,000 was set aside in the budget to assess routes and speed limits.

Steps have already been taken to slow down drivers on some of the borough's main routes in the last few years.

The 40mph speed limit was cut to 30mph along the A454 Wolverhampton Road, and along Sutton Road which runs from the Broadway to Pheasey.

The limit was also lowered from 60mph to 40mph along Norton Road, in Pelsall, from Yorks Bridge to the Staffordshire boundary.