SPEEDING problems are plaguing residents and drivers in Westbrook and Callands prompting calls to reduce the speed limits.

With people living on Golborne Road in Winwick campaigning for more 30mph signs (Guardian, November 20) and plans to impose a permanent 40mph restriction along part of Burtonwood Road (Guardian, November 13), councillors want to see more consistency with speed limits on roads in the area.

Since junction eight opened last year, traffic coming through Westbrook has increased and motorists coming off the M62 turn on to Burtonwood Road, which is 40mph, go along Westbrook Way, which is de-restricted, and on to Westbrook Crescent, which is 30mph, all within half a mile.

This means drivers, who are new to the area, career along the roads, unaware of the speed limits and have to screech to a halt.

In September, Daniel Daly spoke to the Guardian after he was involved in a collision on Westbrook Way and he said the de-restriction encouraged people to drive fast.

At the last meeting of Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council, Clr John Joyce called for a maximum of 40mph zones across the parish if not 30mph.

David Earl, parish councillor for Westbrook, said: "At present limits vary from 30 to 40 and even 60mph which means vehicles speed up only to have to brake sharply at the next roundabout, which is around 500 metres away.

"This could lead to shunts and also causes wear and tear on both vehicles and the road surface."

Clr Earl added: "Pedestrians, many accompanied by children, and cyclists who cross at these busy areas, find it daunting and dangerous, especially in bad weather and dull light.

"I am sure that a more consistent approach combined with better road marking and signing would greatly assist in improving road safety and traffic flow in our district."