DRIVERS may have to put the brakes on as Blackpool Council gives the green light to plans to reduce the speed limits on four roads.

The council's executive committee has considered and approved the suggestions of its officers to reduce St. Walburgas Road, Chapel Road, and parts of Preston New Road and Clifton Road from 40 to 30 mph zones.

The decisions were taken by the council's engineer and technical services division on Wednesday May 30.

They believe the limit on St. Walburgas Road should be reduced to be in line with the traffic calming measures recently put in place, which saw it gain a roundabout, become a single lane and have cycle lanes.

The road also has St. Mary's School and council officers feel the reduction would make it safer for children who cross the road.

Chapel Road has been picked after several accidents in the past few years. It is a narrow, winding country road and the council officers think it is unsuitable for speeds in excess of 30 mph.

The speed limit on Preston New Road would be reduced from the east of South Park Drive to the east of Mythop Road junction. A 40 mph limit would remain from Mythop Drive eastward to the borough boundary.

It is felt this is now a residential area and therefore needs to be 30 mph.

Clifton Road, from Ashworth Road to Preston New Road, may become a 30 mph zone due to an increase of pedestrians in the area.

Head of technical services, John Shaw, said: "These roads are historic and need to be brought up to date and it is more appropriate that the speed limit be reduced to 30mph.

"The proposals have now been approved by the council's executive committee and will be advertised for public comment for three weeks. If there are no objections officers will automatically approve, but if there are any objections the proposals will have to be returned to the committee."