REDUCED speed limit zones in west Cheshire have achieved 'impressive' results in their first year, the council says, with Hartford and Moulton singled out for significant success.

Cheshire West and Chester Council's four-year programme to increase the number of 20mph limits in residential areas and near schools has reduced collisions as well as speeds.

Analysis of year one data by the council revealed a 65 per cent reduction in crashes, a 40 per cent reduction in resultant deaths or serious injuries, and a 69 reduction in slight injuries.

An overall reduction in speed of 0.4mph has been calculated, with 15 per cent fewer vehicles now travelling above 25mph and 17 per cent fewer above 30mph.

Cllr Karen Shore, CWAC cabinet member for environment, said: “In January 2016, the council agreed to introduce 20mph speed limited on suitable residential roads and around schools to deliver significant benefits including a reduction in road traffic collisions and to encourage more people to walk and cycle.

“We are now in the middle of our four-year programme. We have undertaken a detailed evaluation of the 20mph schemes delivered in the first year and a report containing the results was presented to the council’s scrutiny committee earlier this month. The results show our 20mph schemes are making a difference in our communities.

“Further analysis and data collecting will now continue, as well as awareness campaigns to change behaviour over time to ensure the new speed limits become firmly embedded in communities.

“Over fifty per cent of our goal of 128 locations is now complete and in the final fourth year we will assess 68 more locations for suitability.”

Council analysis added that £2.6 million had been saved in the average cost of dealing with road traffic collisions, along with very few complaints.