Herefordshire Council will consider introducing a county wide 20 mile per hour speed limit along roads which are currently restricted to 30mph.

Council leaders say the move would lead to fewer road deaths and injuries and would encourage people to use healthier forms of transport such as cycling or walking.

Councillors backed the motion by deputy leader Felicity Norman and housing, regulatory services, and community safety cabinet member Ange Tyler at last week’s full council meeting.

However, before any changes are made officers will first investigate the feasibility of the proposals and any findings are expected to be brought back before the council.

“Herefordshire Council recognises the benefits associated with a 20 mph speed limit in residential areas rather than a default of 30 mph which exists in most parts of the town and county,” coun Norman’s motion said.

“There are fewer fatalities and injuries, greater survivability in traffic collisions, improved air quality, reduced fuel use and greater willingness of the population to walk or cycle – which has associated health benefits.

“Many councils have or are in the process of implementing area-wide 20mph speed limits on residential and urban roads without traffic calming.

“Many bodies with a remit for public health support a reduction in speed limits to 20mph on residential streets.

“Area-wide 20mph limits rarely need traffic calming measures. They are an affordable way to improve health equality by creating child, disability, elderly and dementia friendly streetscapes that help reduce inactivity, obesity and isolation.”

Speaking after the motion was passed, coun Norman said she was heartened to see the level of cross party support given to the proposal.

“It is a vital step in making our streets safer for all everyone,” she said.

“I look forward to a successful and early implementation.”

Coun Bernard Hunt had proposed an amendment to roll out the speed reductions solely outside schools and accident blackspots but this was rejected.

He said he believed the county wide proposals will not be well received by the general public and will prove expensive to introduce.