TRAFFIC calming measures are being installed in a bid to slow motorists down on a busy road.

Roman Road and where it becomes Dandy Row, Darwen, is used as an alternative to the busy A666 as a way of getting into town.

But residents and councillors have fought a campaign for traffic calming measures as they say the road is a speeding hotspot.

Blackburn with Darwen Council engineers are to narrow the two lane road by creating car parking on one side near Pot House Lane and installing a traffic island to encourage motorists to drive slower and more carefully.

New signs warning of the 30mph speed limit will also appear in conjunction with these new measures.

However, unlike other the measures which will be installed in Marsh House Lane and Railway Road, residents have specifically asked not to have speed humps fitted.

One of the driving forces which led to the council sanctioning the £17,000 measures was that there had been six injury accidents in last five years which had resulted in nine casualties on the road.

Julie Slater, conservative councillor for the East Rural ward, said the residents did not want road humps because they feared houses would vibrate if drivers continued to speed.

Instead Coun Julie Slater, who is also the chair of Eccleshill and Waterside Parish Council, said: "Both myself and members of the parish council were approached by residents about the dangers on the road."We started a petition and began campaigning for traffic calming measures on the road.

"There are at least 100 residents along that stretch of road and a number of them have had their cars written off and damaged by drivers who speed past when they are parked.

"The road is used as a rat run to avoid the A666 and is one of the main routes to reach Hoddlesden and Blacksnape."

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration, said: "The measures being introduced are aimed at slowing down speeding motorists.

"The area has a problem with speeding drivers and they are being reminded that it is a 30mph zone.

"The area has also been identified as having an accident problem.

"Roman Road is one of the main gateways to the town and a major route in and out of Darwen and Edgworth."