COUNCILLORS have backed a move to cut speed limits to 20mph in all Wirral residential roads.

The scheme was launched in February of last year when Liberal Democrats championed a move by to allocate £270,000 to set up 20mph zones in all residential areas throughout the borough.

The issue was pushed through at a meeting of the full council on Monday when Lib Dems and Conservatives united to outvote Labour.

Liberal Democrat councillor Bob Wilkins said: "I'm delighted we have been able to make sure that the council has re-stated its commitment to this important road safety policy to introduce 20mph zones on non-major roads in residential areas.

"This should help to make Wirral's roads safer for everyone.

"However, I was very disappointed to see that the Labour group have withdrawn support for the policy.

"I am very concerned that, despite money having been made available in the last two successive council budgets, Labour will be looking to find a way to try to frustrate the will of the majority of the council further delay implementation of 20mph zones."

The ruling Labour group was against restarting the scheme as it considered Wirral is facing more pressing priorities for such expenditure.

A statement by their highways chief Cllr Harry Smith said the group believes that "in the current difficult budgetary climate where high numbers of priorities are competing for limited resources, it would be prudent to consider the speed and scale of this programme as part of the overall budget process before making any final financial commitments."