A speed limit is to be cut to 20mph through an area of Shrewsbury amid fears that roads are being used as a “rat run” by speeding motorists.

The experimental limit is to be introduced for six-months in Meole Brace following concerns about speed, traffic congestion and narrow footpaths in the area.

It is part of a series of measures being looked at to try to cut the speed motorists travel through the village.

Many near misses have been reported and two people have been injured in collisions with vehicles in the past five years.

Shropshire Council, which is introducing the measures, said particular concerns had been raised about speeding traffic and the narrow footpaths in Vicarage Road.

And there have been concerns for a number of years about traffic using Meole Village as a “rat-run” to avoid congestion on the Roman Road and Longden Road traffic island.

John Everall, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “As it is not possible to widen the footways without acquiring land from the neighbouring houses, the council is instead developing traffic management ideas to address these concerns.

“The experimental 20mph speed limit is the first of these proposals.”

The council said during the six-month period, residents would have the chance to express their views.

All residents will also receive a letter to inform them about the plans.

Mike Owen, Shropshire councillor for Meole Brace, said: “I have been trying for some time to deal with the traffic issues in Meole Brace, I recognise that this may be phase one of a more detailed scheme but hope that this limit will make the area safer.”