ALL roads in a city centre will have 20mph speed limits imposed next week.

It comes into force on Wednesday, two months after Sunderland City Council announced it was introducing the blanket restriction.

All 100 speed limit signs are in place, although they will remain covered until the midday launch of the scheme.

City council traffic, parking and road safety manager Charles Thompson said: "The new speed limit can be enforced when all the covers come off the signs.

"The aim is to ensure the city centre is a more comfortable place for pedestrians.

"A small reduction in pace for drivers can bring big improvements to the comfort, safety and security of vulnerable road users."

The traffic order covers all streets within the area bounded by St Michael's Way, St Mary's Way, West Wear Street, Borough Road and Holmeside