SPEED limits look set to be reduced in Westerleigh in a bid to reduce the number of accidents in the area.

South Gloucestershire Council is considering imposing new limits on three routes around the village which are currently covered by a national speed limit.

They include a 30mph limit on Nibley Lane, which is regularly used as a cut through from Westerleigh to Yate, a 40mph limit on a section of Wapley Road and 50mph limits on a different section of Wapley Road and parts of Westerleigh Road.

Under the scheme, there will also be new signs and warning measures as well as new road markings.

A spokesman for the council said the review was part of a Department of Transport (DofT) directive.

"Due to the continuation of accidents on the B4465 (Westerleigh Road) and Nibley Lane the change of the speed limit on these roads has been prioritised," he added.

"Each section has been assessed using DofT guidelines to determine the most appropriate speed limit based on accidents, mean speeds, length of section and traffic flows."

In the last three years, the council has recorded 36 accidents on Westerleigh Road, one of which was fatal and seven caused serious injuries.

In the period between January 2007 and October 2010 three accidents were also reported on Nibley Lane.

Said the spokesman: "The purpose of this scheme is to reduce the severity and number of accidents on the whole of the B4465 Westerleigh Road from its junction with the A46 to the Pucklechurch village boundary and from Westerleigh Hill crossroads to A4174 Lyde Green roundabout.

"Mean speed readings taken at separate locations along the B4465 have been recorded between 36mph and 43mph."

The lower speed limits have been welcomed by Cllr Claire Young (Lib Dem, Westerleigh).

She said: "The council's transport executive member will have to make the final decision, hopefully by the end of the year so the scheme can be implemented early in 2012."

Cllr Young is also campaigning to reduce the number of Sainsbury’s lorries using Westerleigh Road.

To comment on the proposed changes in speed limit write to Dean Shepherd at South Gloucestershire Council, Castle Street, Thornbury, BS35 1HF by September 1.