Speed cameras could be installed in residential areas to enforce a new limit of 20mph.

The limit on A-roads could also be lowered and random breath testing introduced under Government plans to reduce road deaths by a third.

Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick is launching a consultation on a 10-year safety strategy.

The default speed limit on rural single carriageways is likely to be reduced from 60mph to 50mph unless councils can provide a “good reason” why the higher limit should remain.

It would also be easier for local authorities to lower speed limits on all residential roads to 20mph.

Road safety researchers say people hit at 20mph have a much better chance of survival than those struck at 30mph.

One in 40 dies at 20mph, compared with one in five at 30mph.

Robert Gifford, of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, said: “The 20mph zones are proven to save lives and that is especially important when thinking about children and the elderly.”

Other initiatives could see cameras that detect average speed, covering all exit and entry points to residential areas, installed.

And harsher penalties for driving over the limit and failing to wear a seatbelt may be introduced.

Police would also no longer need to suspect that an offence has been committed in order to stop and breath-test a driver.

There are similarly plans to make the driving test tougher, requiring candidates to complete a year-long course before taking the test.

From : Sky News (Yahoo!)

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