NEW Traffic schemes aimed at slashing the number of road accidents across Burnley and Pendle have been given the green light at County Hall.

Traffic-calming measures at seven sites could be undertaken during the winter, although most are still subject to public consultation.

Lancashire's highways and transportation committee has given the go-ahead for a total of 18 local safety schemes across the county and an estimated £294,000 will be invested to try to reduce the number of traffic accidents.

County Councillor Richard Toon, highways and transportation committee chairman, said: "We are committed to improving road safety in Lancashire and listening to people who make requests.

"There is, however, a limited budget for these schemes and that is why we work to ensure we target the areas of greatest need.

"The county council has approved 29 local safety schemes so far this year, bringing benefits to local communities, but I am aware that there are many areas where safety schemes are still needed." East Lancashire schemes include:

Stockbridge Road, Padiham -- provision of road humps.

Abingdon Road, Padiham -- provision of road humps.

Hibson Road, Nelson -- provision of zebra crossing near Causey Foot.

A56 Leeds Road, Nelson -- traffic-calming measures from New Scotland Road to Hey Street to include pedestrian refuges, anti-skid treatments and improved lighting of the zebra crossing.

A65 Leeds Road, Nelson -- modifications to existing mini roundabouts from Hey Street to Walton Lane to include improved lighting and lining and signing and anti-skid treatments.

A6068 Reedyford Road/Regent Road, Nelson -- modifications to existing mini roundabout (as above).

M65 motorway/A6068, Vivary Way, Colne -- provision of yellow road markings.