SPEED limits could be reduced to 20mph on high streets and estates in Lancashire as part of an initiative to cut the number of casualties on the county's roads.

County bosses have welcomed new rules meaning councils no longer have to ask the government for permission to lower speed limits.

Police chiefs have also backed the changes .

Lancashire County Council's planning, industrial development and tourism committee will discuss the issue again tomorrow.

The scheme is included in a report from the government's Urban Task Force and the council has been asked for its comments.

As well as 20mph limits in residential areas and high streets, some areas would see pedestrians given priority, with cars either excluded or reduced to walking pace.

A 20mph zone scheme, which combines the lower limit with traffic calming measures, has already been successful.

Accidents involving children have fallen 67 per cent since zones were introduced nationally. But county chiefs claim zones without speed bumps or police enforcement of the 20mph limit have had little effect. Committee chairman county councillor Richard Toon said: "By reducing speed we can often reduce accidents.

"In Lancashire, we have seen 20mph limits with and without traffic calming. It will be interesting to see what the police and other councils have to say."

Chief Inspector Ian Bell, of the Lancashire Police road safety unit, said: "We support any measures that lead to casualty reduction.

"We're mindful we have a role to play in the areas that would need enforcement and we'll work closely with local authorities."

Another initiative involves variable speed limit signs, which change depending on the time of day, similar to a scheme which has been put in place outside Cliviger Holme Primary School.

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