A PLEA to introduce widespread 20 miles-per-hour road limits across Worcestershire has been thrown out by council chiefs today.

During a Worcestershire County Council debate, the Green and Liberal Democrat groups tried to vote through a re-think on slowing down the speed limits in residential areas.

But the motion was rejected by 38 votes to 21, with the Conservative leadership insisting it would cost too much and not prove popular with the public.

The motion, led by Green Councillor Matthew Jenkins, said "14 million people" live in towns or cities now where 20mph is the default speed limit in built-up areas.

He said it would save lives, keep children safer, reduce pollution and could even contribute to obesity, citing research by Public Health England on the impact it has on encouraging walking and being outdoors.

His motion was backed by Labour, with group leader Councillor Peter McDonald saying it should have been done before now.

"Britain has one of the lowest rates of children walking or cycling to school, and our speed limits are six per cent higher than the rest of Europe," he said.

"There is plenty of evidence to show reducing speed limits to 20mph has reduced pedestrian accidents, it's down 70 per cent in some areas.

"Traffic noise drops considerably, as does pollution and our streets would become much more pleasant places."

Labour Councillor Richard Udall said it was time to "reclaim the streets for our residents and children", saying he would be happy for Dines Green to be a complete 20mph estate.

During a vote, it was rejected by the entire Conservative group and independent Councillor Alan Amos, but no member decided to speak on the motion.

After the meeting, Conservative leader Councillor Adrian Hardman said he had concerns over the cost and need.

Some estimates suggest it costs around £3 per person to bring in 20mph zones in residential areas including new signage, monitoring and all the paperwork involved with each change.

Cllr Hardman told your Worcester News he was happy to seek to extend it outside schools, but insisted the current policy, which is resulting in active trials in areas like Pershore and Rubery, does not need to be extended at this point.

"I think the jury's out, I'd like to see more evidence before I do blanket schemes all over Worcester, for example," he said.

The trials are designed to see how effective the lower speed limits are, and only later in the year will the authority consider more roll-outs if evidence can be found of public support.