SPEED cuts on three major routes in Hyndburn have been confirmed.

The decision by highways authority Lancashire County Council will see speeds slashed from 60mph to 40mph on part of Burnley Road, Accrington, and from 50mph to 40mph on both Blackburn Road in Rishton and Blackburn Road approaching West End, Oswaldtwistle.

The news follows the announcement that the national speed limit on the dual carriageway at Dunkenhalgh Way Accrington will be cut from 70mph to 50mph.

The borough-wide review into the speeds of A and B roads will also see School Lane and Lottice Lane in Oswaldtwistle reduced from 60mph to 40mph where it connects with the new Britannia Roundabout.

The move has been welcomed by some councillors who say it is vital to slow down motorists as they reach built up areas. Hyndburn Borough Council leader Peter Britcliffe said he thought the decision would make the borough safer, and joined ward councillor Doug Hayes in welcoming the decision for Oswaldtwistle in particular.

However he added that a controlled crossing on the road is still needed.

He said: “Slowing down motorists as they come through the gateway into Oswaldtwistle is of real importance to residents because at the moment they are coming straight from a 50mph zone into a 30, and it has a knock on effect with speeding.

“As a whole I think roads need to be made safer as traffic increases.

“I remember when people thought breathalisers were a terrible idea but as time goes on we get more and more socially responsible when it somes to the roads.”

Coun Hayes said: “I welcome this reduction in my ward which will mean cars are moving more slowly as they enter this built-up area.”

The speed limits, which were put forward by Lancashire Local Hyndburn earlier in the year, have now been rubber stamped by Conservative county councillor Keith Young.

New signs, road markings and road layouts will be put in place as a result.

Coun Young said: “The decision really reflects democracy in action as these requests were made by local people and local councillors and then acted upon."

Whenever speed cuts are needed, are appropriate and are then effectively dealt with, it is always a decision that wil improve safety and should be applauded.”