A CAMPAIGN to reduce the default speed limit on Darlington's residential roads is being put to the test after a councillor asked residents for their views.

Householders in the Haughton, Whinfield and Springfield areas of the town are being asked whether they would support the 20's Plenty for Darlington campaign, launched earlier this year.

Campaigners want to see the default speed limit throughout the town reduced to 20mph on all minor residential roads.

Roads that are used asmain thoroughfares, such as Salters Lane North and Whinfield Road, would remain at 30mph under the campaign's proposals.

Campaigners say their plans would reduce casualties, save motorists money and cut congestion, as well as promoting healthier and greener communities by encouraging cyclists and walkers.

They say new Department of Transport policy means putting the limit in place is possible without speed humps and other traffic calmingmeasures, and it may be possible to simply use signs and road markings.

A similar scheme cost Portsmouth about £500,000 to put in place.

The campaigners plan to discuss their proposals with Darlington Borough Council later in the year.

Haughton ward councillor NickWallis, who is also cabinet member for leisure and the local environment, is speaking to residents in Haughton to gauge their reaction.

He said: "Nothing has been agreed yet - indeed, the campaign is still mobilising support and the council has still tolook at the proposal. I would like to get a sense of how residents in Haughton West feel about this idea.

"Specifically, I'd like to know, firstly, in principle, do you think that having most of the urban area, excluding main and arterial roads, with a 20mph limit would be a good idea?

"Secondly, how much weight should be given to this sort of scheme, when compared to road maintenance, for example.

"In Portsmouth, a scheme was introduced across the city at a cost of £475,000. Would that be a good use of money here?

"And thirdly, to what extent should local people be consulted on the introduction of 20mph zones in their area?

"Should there be minireferenda around the town, locality by locality in Springfield, say, or Whinfield?

"Or should the council take the plunge and introduce a town-wide scheme with only more general consultation?"

Anyone in Haughton who would like to express their views can contact Coun Wallis by emailing nick.wallis@darlington.gov.uk, or calling 01325-488797.