AS part of the Lancashire Telegraph’s ‘Slower Speeds, Safer Children’ campaign, Bill Jacobs spoke to politician David Foster who is leading the pressure for 20 mph limits to be placed on all residential streets. He has praised the county council’s decision this week to complete its roll-out programme of the zones and is calling on Blackburn with Darwen council to act now.

DAVID Foster believes bringing in 20mph zones in all residential streets is essential to protect the county’s youngsters.

Blackburn with Darwen’s Liberal Democrat group leader is campaigning for the move to introduced to the borough as soon as possible .

And he believes the decision this week to continue with a roll-out programme by Lancashire County Council puts even more pressure on the borough to bring in its own scheme.

He said: “Lancashire’s decision is great news and now our council needs to follow suit.

“Blackburn with Darwen’s figures for accidents where children are killed or seriously injured have been bad for 10 years. In March 2013 they were officially the worst in the country.

“That is an appalling indictment. These are figures that shame us.

“I have been asking about bringing in 20 mph speed limited for over year. They are just dragging their feet on this issue.

“They are talking about a pilot scheme in Mill Hill but it was due to approved by the executive board this week. It was not on the agenda. This is just not good enough.

“In recent years, we have only had two under 15s killed, in 2006, but we have had a significant number seriously injured. The accidents will have a devastating effect on their lives.

“We need a 20 mph speed limit across not just all residential areas in the county but in the borough as well, backed by other physical traffic management measures where necessary.

“We also need better education for primary schoolchildren on road safety and a programme of driver education. There must also be specific speed awareness courses for motorists who drive above 20 mph in residential areas.

“The councils have to take the lead in changing the psychology of drivers. No-one in their right minds would drive above 20 mph in our warrens of narrow streets of Victorian terraced houses. We need to persuade all motorists to take care, drive below 20 mph and empower those who do drive safely by ensuring they know that the law and speed limit is on their side, no matter what the driver behind may do.

“Lancashire county council have led the way with residential speed limit zones.

“Blackburn with Darwen council’s leadership needs to act now before any more children and families suffer.

“They asked for evidence. The new Labour leadership at county hall have provided this evidence. What more do they need?”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said he supported 20mph zones.

He said: “I am delighted Lancashire county is going ahead with their 20 mph programme and hope Blackburn with Darwen follow their lead. We now need to improve driver and child safety education.”

Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: “There is good evidence from elsewhere in the country that 20 mph speed limits in appropriate circumstances can work in cutting child road accident casualties. I am sure the council is aware of this evidence.”