A MERSEYSIDE borough is set to bring in 20mph speed limits across its residential roads.

Under plans revealed by Wirral council, areas around schools will be among the first phase of the £1.1m scheme.

The borough has been split into 132 “zones” which will see more than 6,000 new signs put up in the next three years, with the council aiming to com plete half the work in the next year.

Cabinet member for highways, Cllr Dave Mitchell, said they would seek to implement speed limits first in those areas which need them most urgently. He said: “It’s well known that if someone is hit by a car travelling at 20mph or less, they are much more likely to survive.”

A report to Wirral Council’s ruling cabinet next Thursday, said the aim was to put in place a 20mph speed limit on every residential road in Wirral where average vehicle speeds “are already at or below 24mph”. Major roads and those where traffic travels at more than 25mph on average will not be affected and areas which already have 20mph limits or traffic calming will be left as they are.