WINCHESTER green campaigners are backing potentially controversial moves to introduce 20mph speed limits in the city centre.

Winchester Action on Climate Change (WinACC) says it will help cut emissions of greenhouse gases. The streets will be safer and so more people will be encouraged to walk, cycle or catch the bus.

It also wants to see the limit extended into the suburbs.

Chris Holloway, WinACC director, said: β€œIt would strengthen a sense of community and nudge people away from using their cars. It would assist the economy by making it easier for shoppers to browse and by making the town even more attractive to tourists and it would help people become healthier by walking more.”

WinACC says the slower speeds relieve congestion and delays. Evidence shows that it makes little difference to journey times and makes for smoother journeys with reduced energy costs, it says.