Plans to introduce a 20mph speed limit and traffic-calming measures have been given the go ahead for a village.

Sixteen roads in Slinfold, near Horsham, will be brought down to a 20mph speed.

Some of the roads will also be narrowed to help slow traffic.

The changes were instigated by Slinfold Parish Council which had concerns over the safety of the roads.

Joe Dennis, cabinet member for highways and transport for West Sussex County Council, said: “Studies show that, in the event that a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, there is a significant reduction in the risk of being fatally injured at 20mph, compared with 30mph.

“We are therefore delighted to be able to take forward this local initiative which is also intended to reduce incidents of rat running through the village.”

The Argus: Park Street which links to the A29 near HorshamPark Street which links to the A29 near Horsham (Image: Google Maps)

The works are estimated to cost £107,000.

Adrian Roberts, chairman of Slinfold Parish Council, said: "The parish council is delighted that the council has given the green light for these traffic-calming measures.

"This was a community effort and involved consultation with residents and the council to tackle speeding traffic in the village and now will make Slinfold a safer place for all."

The new 20mph speed limit will apply to Clapgate Lane, Greenfield Road, Hayes Lane, Lowfield Road, Lyons Close, Lyons Road, Mitchell Gardens, Park Street, Six Acres, Spring Lane, The Street, Streetfield Road, Tannery Close, The Grattons and West Way.

The scheme will be supported by traffic calming in the form of built-out kerb lines to narrow the road in Park Street, The Street and part of Lyons Road.

Park Street connects to the A29.