The Department for Transport has today advised local authorities to limit speeds in residential areas to 20mph which will be enforced by more ‘average speed’ cameras.

The measures are outlined in a report by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (Pacts), which calls for the lowering of residential speed limits to reduce the number of people killed and injured on the road.

Pacts says that ‘average speed’ cameras are the best way to reduce speeds, as they prevent motorists accelerating when there is one camera in use, but are also more car-friendly than speed humps or chicanes.

However, average speed cameras have been criticised by motoring groups, which claim that they detract driver attention from the road ahead. Anti-camera campaigners have argued for the removal of excessive signs and regulations from urban roads, encouraging motorists to look out for each other.