RESIDENTS have demanded action to enforce a 20mph zone where drivers ignore signs and traffic calming measures putting pedestrians at risk.

They are concerned a trail-blazing road safety scheme has not stamped out speeding while police and council officials fail to enforce the limit.

In 2011, Mosley Walk in Infirmary, Blackburn was designated the town’s first 20mph ‘Home Zone’ area where drivers give priority to pedestrians and cyclists.

Two years on, residents say the scheme’s aims are unfulfilled after several near-misses involving pedestrians and cars.

They want Blackburn with Darwen council to do more to slow drivers down.

Borough Liberal Democrat leader David Foster, a supporter of the Lancashire Telegraph’s Slower Speeds, Safer Children campaign, says a blanket 20mph limit for residential areas is the only way to cut down speeds in narrow streets where children play.

He said: “This perfectly illustrates why we need a blanket 20mph limit in residential streets to change driver’s thinking and behaviour.

“A total limit means motorists, pedestrians and police all know what the situation is. It then becomes easier to observe the limit, to complain about it being broken, and to enforce it.”

Mosley Walk resident and Ivy Street Community Association chair Christine Connell said: “When building work was ongoing we didn’t have problems but as soon as it was completed people started speeding through the street.

“You can’t let children play out for fear a car will zoom down. Some day someone will get hurt.”

A police spokeswoman said: “There have been two damage only accidents in the last 12 months.

“If residents are concerned about a 20 mph limit being broken, they should approach their neighbourhood policing team who will take the appropriate action.”