Up to 100 new speed limits can now be brought into force in rural villages across Shropshire, after council leaders backed a new speed management strategy.

Shropshire County Council members decided to adopt a new village speed limit policy, despite warnings from the police it will not reduce casualties and could lead to more demands for enforcement.

At a meeting of the council, members approved recommendations by council officers to adopt the policy, as well as approve the drafting of policies for rural and urban speed limits.

Under the new policy, automatic counters and radar equipment will be used to calculate the average speed motorists travel through every village in Shropshire.

The information will be used, with other data, to decide which villages will see new or reduced speed limits brought in.

Community Speedwatch groups and hi-tech vehicle-activated signs will also be used to improve safety.

A report to councillors said the authority was committed to the introduction of speed limits in villages, but stressed it must achieve a reasonable degree of compliance and it will not be a blanket approach.

The council will also use vehicle-activated signs, which flash a reminder of the speed limit in an attempt to slow drivers down.

Additional measures, such as traffic calming features and community speedwatch – where residents are involved in monitoring speeds in their area – will be considered if speeds are not brought down within 12 months.

The report said: “Speeding was identified as a major concern by the residents of Shropshire during the consultation for the Local Transport Plan and continues to be raised on a regular basis in correspondence to officers and members.

“Studies show when drivers reduce speed collisions are less likely and will be less serious injury.”

The county’s position has been based on the Government published Setting Local Speed Limits, which came out in August last year. It will be split into three sections including village, rural and urban speed limits.

By Russell Roberts