NEW traffic calming measures are to be introduced in a Ribble Valley village in a bid to slow down drivers ignoring the speed limit.

Lancashire County Council has approved plans for speed cushions and road narrowing in Mellor Lane, Mellor, to encourage lower speeds.

Some neighbours raised objections to the proposals, but Cllr John Fillis, the council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, has approved the proposals.

County Hall bosses have said the scheme is designed to tackle a “recorded speed problem” on a section of road around the village, but with a number of homes.

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They say the improvements have been designed to “encourage lower speeds”, while also “making excessive speed difficult”.

A report to Cllr Fillis said the road had raised “persistent concerns” from the community around the speed of vehicles.

It said the speed limit was 30mph, but said: “This road is used as a cut through from the A666 at Wilpshire to the A59 at Mellor Brook by commuters who are familiar with the road layout and therefore drive at a speed at which they feel comfortable rather than observing the speed limit.

“In addition to this the open rural nature of the road, despite the presence of street lighting, does not encourage observation of the 30mph limit.”

It said other options were considered, but said: “In order to address the community concerns it was considered that the only acceptable solution currently available was to change the nature of the road with engineered features so that driving at 30mph would feel more appropriate to all the road users.”

The scheme will include improved road markings, speed cushions and road narrowing at the entrance to the village.

The report said: “This will create a give and take situation, further reducing traffic speeds entering Mellor whilst also highlighting the start of the system of speed cushions for eastbound traffic.”

“The new improved gateway 30mph signs to the east of the scheme along with dragon’s teeth road makings and speed hump signs alert drivers of the traffic calming whilst encouraging lower speeds.”

The project is to be funded from the New Start Road Safety Programme, with an allocation of £32,000. It has been given approval, subject to being called in by the scrutiny committee.