TOWNS and built up areas have long had speed limits of 30mph to slow traffic down because of the very real risks to pedestrians of all ages.

Rows of shops, garages and other businesses as well as schools, offices and pedestrian crossings all mean traffic and people in close proximity. That spells danger.

Wide, straight roads in urban settings and even dual carriageways often have limits as low as 40mph to deter motorists from driving as if they are on motorways.

With this in mind it's surprising that two Ribble Valley villages have managed so long with no speed limit other than the national one of 60mph.

Police did an audit of the valley's speeding hotspots earlier this year and realised that the two villages, on either side of the popular tourist haunt of Downham, were not restricted like most others.

Now Lancashire County Council is looking at imposing limits in both places to slow down commuters taking short-cuts and boy racers who like roaring through such rural hamlets.

The move makes sense but not because of any desire to persecute drivers who already feel under siege with more cameras per mile across the county than almost anywhere else in the country.

It makes sense because for safety's sake motorists shouldn't go through villages within feet of people's front doors at speeds of 60mph.