A review of speed limits and road signs is being carried out in Hartlepool.

The borough highways department aims to establish whether speed limits are appropriate and effective. It also hopes to ease traffic congestion, improve road safety and encourage firms to invest.

Traffic team leader Martin Moore said the speed limit project, which is expected to last two years, reflects changes in the town in the past ten years.

He said: "There has been a great deal of development, both commercial and residential. As a result, traffic patterns have changed and are still changing.

"We believe this borough-wide review is necessary, instead of merely looking at particular routes in isolation, and is a radical forward-looking approach to traffic management.''

Officers will consult closely with the police and other relevant organisations before proposing any changes, either upward or downward, to existing speed limits.

Traffic signs around the borough are also being reviewed.

The first step is expected to be the installation of new borough boundary signs later this year and all direction signs will be checked later.

Mr Moore said: "Signs which are clear and well set out have also been proved to help industrial development by making a town more attractive to potential investors.''