FRESH speed restrictions are set to come into force along a stretch of Blackburn's northern bypass.

In a bid to improve opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists, the limit along the A6119 will be reduced to 40mph in one location and down to 50mph along another.

The 40mph restriction will apply from a stretch of Ramsgreave Drive, from Pleckgate Road to Lammack Road, eastbound and westbound, and Yew Tree Drive, 200 metres beyond its junction with Whinney Lane.

And the 50mph change is set to be enforced for the remainder of Yew Tree Drive until the Preston New Road junction, again in both directions.

The move has been rubberstamped by Cllr Quesir Mahmood, council growth and regeneration boss, as part of a series of proposed new traffic regulations for the borough.

In an accompanying report, highways officials say: "The A6119 forms a half-ring and northern bypass around Blackburn.

"Since the opening of the M65 in 1997 much of its strategic importance has been lost, but it remains a busy local route.

"The bypass runs from the Whitebirk Roundabout to the southeast to the A677 Preston New Road signalised junction to the west, with the majority of its length being a dual carriageway.

"Residential properties are situated either side of the carriageway, with several housing developments taking place over the last few years,

"Investments to improve walking and cycling connections in the area have meant that a review of the speed limit has taken place.

"The council are in the process of commissioning a Toucan crossing, with recommendations from the road safety audit recommending the lowering of speed limits for stopping distances.

"In response to the speed limit review and the comments from the road safety audit it is proposed to reduce the speed limit from 50mph to 40mph."

Councillors have been told there have been 12 reported personal injury accidents at the location in the last 36 months, resulting in 18 casualties, although just two of these collisions have speed listed as a contributory factor.

Cllr Mahmood has approved the advertising of a traffic regulation order and, subject to no objections being made, the speed restriction changes can be made.