MEMBERS of Pendle Council's policy committee will be asked to consider plans to convert all side streets and minor roads across the borough to 20mph speed zones.

The scheme proposed by County Councillor Tim Ormrod may also be put forward to Lancashire County Council as a pilot scheme with the possibility of extending it to other boroughs.

Coun Ormrod, who is chairman of the council's Transport Mobility Working Group, raised the issue at the group's last meeting after receiving complaints from residents about speeding in their neighbourhoods. It was agreed a report would be made to the policy meeting next month.

He said: "The idea is that these areas should be made 20 mph without necessarily installing traffic calming measures. Up to now the highway engineers and police have taken the view that engineering works should be carried out before they are made 20mph. I want to change the attitudes and culture of drivers in relation to the speed they drive through residential areas in much the same way most people have changed their attitudes about drinking and driving.

"In Lancashire there is on average one death a week and many more seriously injured on the roads. This kind of slaughter and maiming is completely unacceptable in a civilised society."

Coun Ormrod also said a bid could be made to county council for Pendle to become a pilot area for the scheme.

He said: "Most residents would agree that there is a need for this and would support a move to keep vehicles at 20 mph in areas such as the North Valley estate in Colne. Some motorists won't like it but the debate needs to begin."