MORE 20mph speed limits are set to be introduced in the Lancashire County Council area by the end of the year.

And by the end of 2014, the restriction will be extended to cover all residential streets across the county.

It comes after county highway bosses deemed trials of the initiative in south-west Burnley last year have been successful.

New ‘gateway’ signs were installed for an area bordered by the M65, Rossendale Road Trafalgar Street and Manchester Road.

As a result of the pilot, the first wave of traffic orders for the countywide slowdown scheme is set to be introduced.

These will be in Knuzden, between the M65 and Blackburn boundary, including St Oswald's CE Primary, as well as a triangle in Helmshore, including the village's primary school between Grane Road, Holcombe Road and Helmshore Road.

And by the end of 2011, the programme will have been extended to incorporate the Waterside and Vivary Bridge areas of Colne.

County councillor Tim Ashton, highways cabinet member, said: “Our aim is for everyone in the county to understand the benefits that driving more slowly and safely in residential areas has for them, their family, and their neighbours – and, where necessary, to do their bit to influence others to reduce their speed.”

Highway chiefs have pledged that main commuter routes will not be affected by the scheme, which will be extended to cover stretches outside Lancashire schools.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Rhodes, of Lancashire Police, said: “This is not about targeting motorists in general but working together to address concerns raised by residents and, where other tactics such as the introduction of signage and neighbourhood policing activity don’t tackle all of the issues, taking necessary enforcement action.”