ACTION will be taken to slow cars down in a new 20mph zone in Oswaldtwistle.

Road signs were installed in Hawthorn Avenue last month, but traffic has not slowed down, it was claimed.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said it ‘has had no effect whatsoever on the speed at which the majority of motorists drive on Hawthorn Avenue, especially motorcyclists.’ He added: “I visited my brother-in-law in Baxenden, and there the 20mph is also painted on the road, so there can be no excuse from drivers who may fail to notice the road signs.” Speed indicators will be installed in Hawthorn Avenue in the new year, and a speed survey will also be carried out, Lancashire County Council has said.

Paul Binks, road and transport safety manager at Lancashire County Council, said: "We're working closely with the police, communities, and schools to realise the benefits of the residential 20mph limits.

"Our message to drivers is that the majority of injuries to pedestrians happen on streets with a 30mph limit, and someone is seven times less likely to die if they're hit at 20mph than at 30mph..

Local schools, Oswaldtwistle Hippings Primary School, and St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School will be added to the council’s engagement list. Group manager for accessibility, planning and social inclusion, Oliver Starkey, said: “The schools will receive 20mph resources to be sent home with the children, such as wheelie bin stickers, car stickers, and posters.”

The children will also be given the opportunity to create ‘Twenty is plenty’ banners for the school gates.

A spokesman for St Mary’s School, in Mayfield Avenue, said: “Cars do go past school quickly.

“We send letters out to parents.

“And we have got posters up in the windows,and they are right outside on the stands the council sent us.”

Oswaldtwistle councillor, Peter Britcliffe, added: “There are problems with speed on a lot of roads, and this is one of them them.

“Traffic builds up speed on their way down and it is inclined to go faster than it should.”

Headteacher at Hippings school, Janice Lewer, said: “We obviously support any initiatives that will make things safer for our children.

“I hope that the new initiatives will make things safer for all the residents of Oswaldtwistle.”