COUNCILLORS have backed calls to introduce 20mph-speed zones in and around a town centre in a bid to increase safety for children and pedestrians.Members of Sudbury Town Council's highways and footpaths committee say they would like to see the speed restrictions introduced on several roads in the area.

COUNCILLORS have backed calls to introduce 20mph-speed zones in and around a town centre in a bid to increase safety for children and pedestrians.

Members of Sudbury Town Council's highways and footpaths committee say they would like to see the speed restrictions introduced on several roads in the area.

They made the decision after receiving a report from the Health Development Agency, which is calling on local authorities across the country to create residential "safe zones".

According to the agency reducing the speed limit to 20mph in residential areas would save 13,000 children nationwide from death or serious injury each year.

A car travelling at 40mph will kill 17 out of 20 children, but if the speed were cut to 20mph the number of fatalities would be cut to only one in 20.

The agency estimates the cost of introducing the zones at one tenth of the billion pounds the dead and injured currently cost health and other services.

The Sudbury councillors heard how £4 million had been spent in Hull introducing the measures, but estimates it has saved £40 million in injury costs – with 300 accidents prevented.

After hearing the evidence the committee voted to support introducing 20mph zones in several locations in the Sudbury area.

Members decided they would like to see the restrictions introduced close to all of the town's schools and in Tudor Road, Woodhall Road, Quay Lane and North Street.

The matter will now go before the full council next month, when it will be recommended a letter be sent to Suffolk County Council urging it to consider introducing the restricted speed zones.