SOUTHAMTPON MPs have been left "disappointed" that Labour party colleagues on the city council will not be introducing 20mph zones outside schools in the next year despite campaigning for the scheme.

Alan Whitehead and John Denham argue the advisory "20 is plenty" signs that Southampton City Council is rolling out are not a substitute for legally enforcement zones which only about one in ten schools have.

The MPs and Labour councillors criticised the Conservatives for failing to implement zones.

But after ousting them from office in a budget pact with the Lib Dems, Labour councillors only put aside £50,000 to pay for them.

Conservatives said the cash would pay for a "speed hump" and millions were needed to put zones outside all schools.

Now the new Labour-led joint administration has also confirmed no work will be carried out next year on any 20mph zones.

Responding to Tory questions Transport boss councillor Jill Baston said discussions were being held with the Department for Transport over more zones but none had been earmarked for the next financial year.

"Although there are no new zones there are plenty of extra signs and warnings which will hopefully prevent people from exceeding speed limits," she said.

Mr Whitehead and Mr Denham have been strongly campaigning for the 20mph zones.

They both controversially asked city schools to pass on letters to parents canvassing support.

However schools were later warned by the council to stop distributing them because they could breach rules on the proportion of political materials.

Mr Denham, minister for universities and skills and MP for Itchen, said ministers confirmed that national rules, as claimed by the council, were not standing in the way of the introduction of more zones.

"I find it disappointing that no new zones could be there on the ground in the next year. It needs to be done as quickly as possible," he said.

Mr Whitehead, MP for Test, said: "I'm disappointed that there isn't going to be action on legally enforceable 20mph zones in the next financial year."

He added: "The key thing is the commitment to get this done and not just going down the alternative route of advisory signs."