A NEW 20 mile-per-hour zone could be introduced around Leyland's Runshaw College in a bid to slow speeding students.

Councillors hope Langdale Road and Worden Lane will become the first 20 mph roads in the county after being recommended to Lancashire County Council for pilot schemes.

These roads, and connecting streets, are used by students travelling to Runshaw College, many of whom are new drivers.

Councillors say these teenage drivers are putting the lives of pedestrians and residents at risk.

Coun Matthew Tomlinson said: "There have been two car crashes in the area in the past year.

"If drivers cut their speed these accidents wouldn't happen."

The new 20 mph zones have been introduced by the government in an attempt to make residential streets safer.

Any areas given the speed limit would also benefit from extensive traffic-calming measures and warning signs.

Coun Tomlinson added: "By making our bid apparent now, I hope this area will be one of the first to benefit.

"The roads near to Runshaw were never designed to carry as much traffic as they do now."

Canberra Road, Northgate and Hastings Road are also being proposed under Coun Tomlinson's scheme.

Runshaw College spokesman Jim Smith said: "Any steps which can be taken to improve safety for our students has to be welcomed. We believe Runshaw is a very safe environment but we will back plans to improve the roads."

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