Lower speed limits in Mid Sussex villages could become permanent after successful trials.

Staplefield, near Haywards Heath, and Bucks Green, near Horsham, were among areas chosen in a safety campaign by West Sussex County Council.

At Staplefield the limit was cut from 60mph to 40mph and at Buck Green from 40 to 30mph.

The trial results are being reviewed by David Dewdney, the Cabinet member for council community services.

But preliminary results show that drivers slowed down in every case.

There was also a reduction of up to eight per cent in drivers breaking the speed limit.

Experts say a third of all road casualties are caused by speeding and about seven in ten drivers break the 30mph limit.

Staplefield is particularly vulnerable as it has a fairly long stretch of straight road past its village green and a crossroads.

Villagers are keen to see the new 40mph limit stay.

Sarah Greg, clerk to Cuckfield Rural Parish Council, which represents Staplefield, said: "I think the new speed limit is going to be made permanent.

"We haven't heard officially but obviously we hope that it will be."

A spokesman for West Sussex Council said: "The speed limits are still in force but whether they are to be permanent is still to be decided.

"The whole issue of reducing speeds through villages is currently under consideration."

As a forerunner to the reductions a successful pilot scheme was carried out in another Mid Sussex village, Cuckfield.