Plans for 20mph roads in Brighton and Hove put on hold

Plans to introduce a 20mph speed limit in residential streets in Brighton and Hove have been deemed too expensive.

A scrutiny panel recommended reducing the limit in many residential and built-up areas, as well as near schools and community buildings.

The city council said implementing the full scheme would "cost millions" but accepted the case for lowering the speed limit outside schools.

Road safety experts said they were disappointed by the decision.

'Safer roads'

Cllr Geoffrey Theobald, the cabinet member for the environment, said schemes have to be self-enforcing.

"That means that to bring the speed down to that level, one would have to narrow the road, put in barriers and infrastructure, and that of course would cost money, which we don't have," he said.

Pete West, a Green Party councillor who chaired the scrutiny panel, said: "We know there are far too many people killed or seriously injured in Brighton every year.

"People are crying out for safer roads so that they can feel happy that their children can walk to school or other places."

Joel Hickman, a spokesman for the road safety charity Brake, said he was "dismayed".

"We would urge every local council to continue investing in 20mph speed limit zones," he said.