SPEED limits could be cut to 20mph outside dozens of schools.

Durham County Council is considering introducing lower limits outside 33 schools across the county with the worst accident records.

Members of the authority’s Cabinet will be asked to vote on new part-time speed limits and zones when they meet next Wednesday.

Over the past ten years, only three 20mph zones have been introduced in County Durham, one in Seaham, one in Ferryhill and one on Durham’s High Grange Estate.

However, following a review the authority is now poised to introduce speed limits and speed zones, which include traffic calming measures such as road humps as well as a speed limit, at sites across the county.

They include seven in the Bishop Auckland area, six in the Chester-le-Street area; five in Seaham: four in the Consett area, three in Peterlee, two each in Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor and Stanley and one each in Durham City and Horden.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “We are proposing to implement these measures on roads around those schools where the accident rate is double the average.

“Our aim is not only to reduce the number of accidents, but also to promote a healthy and active lifestyle by encouraging people to cycle or walk instead of using the car.”

Overall, road casualties in the county are lower than national levels, with last year seeing the fewest number of casualties since 1979.

However, the report found that 86 per cent of accidents involving children and young people occur within a 600m radius of a school.

If the proposals are agreed by Cabinet, the council says it will consult with residents, schools, Area Action Partnerships and other groups before any 20mph zones are introduced.