DRIVERS across the region will soon be hitting their brakes more often when 20mph speed limits are imposed on roads.

The Government is considering a report which recommends that speed limits in large areas of towns and cities are cut to 20mph.

However, a Northern Echo survey of councils across the region reveals that authorities plan to impose further speed restrictions - regardless of any government interference.

A 20mph blanket speed limit across all of Sunderland's city centre has already been introduced and now a similar scheme is being considered for Newcastle city centre.

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire County Council has already decided to cut speed limits on roads near each one of the county's 400 schools.

Town centre restrictions are already in place in one area of Redcar near a school, and Darlington is considering future restrictions. Only County Durham has no restrictions, although the first 20mph speed limit is due to be implemented in the coming weeks.

Richard Freeman, of the AA, said the Government should not support a blanket ban for all towns and cities, but he said the AA backed limits at some hot spots.

He said: "A blanket ban for all our town centres would just further discredit the speed limit in this country, which is already often ignored.

"Imposing 20mph speed limits can work if there is local support and people obviously see the need. However, evidence suggests that in villages and residential communities it is most often locals who break the speed limits, not outsiders. People campaign for a reduction in the speed limit and then ignore it."

A spokesman for Sunderland City Council said the city centre limit had been widely supported, and the council and police had received very few complaints.

MPs were yesterday due to debate the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions suggestions, including having 30mph speed limits in every village. The proposals have been criticised by motorists groups who say slowing down traffic would add to congestion.