PLANS to introduce a 20 mph speed limit in the Òhistoric coreÓ of Petersfield will be introduced next year.

More than 300 people have studied the Petersfield Area Transport Strategy (PATS), which includes proposals for St PeterÕs Road, the High Street, and The Square.

Now the plans have been endorsed at a Hampshire County Council meeting of the area rural transport strategy membersÕ panel.

As part of the proposals, the public was asked to consider the introduction of the 20 mph speed limit as a way to improve safety and deter unwanted traffic.

A report of the response to the public consultation states: ÒThe proposal for the 20 mph zone for the Ôhistoric coreÕ of Petersfield was generally well received with 66 per cent of those responding believing that traffic speeds would be reduced and thus a better environment would be achieved for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians.

ÒAlthough traffic speeds in some parts of the town centre are already low during the working day, the introduction of the proposed physical measures is expected to lower traffic speeds to 20 mph throughout the whole zone and during off-peak times.Ó

Comments from members of the public were received asking if the zone could include Lavant Street, Dragon Street, Swan Street, Chapel Street and The Spain.

But officers have made it clear that the town centre is the first priority and other areas of the town could be considered at a later date.

Concerns raised over the 20 mph plan included fears that a large number of signs will add clutter to the street scene.

But the consultation report reveals that the signs will be placed where traffic enters the zone. In addition, a Òradical reviewÓ of existing signs in the town will be undertaken.

Proposals for St PeterÕs Road include plans to provide extra dropped kerbs and improve street lighting.

The possibility of turning the road into a one-way system was turned down as it was felt that motorists would increase their speed with the confidence that nothing was coming in the opposite direction.

Footways in the High Street will be widened and more crossings will be created.

Landscaping and planting schemes will be implemented in The Square and the proposal to create outdoor eating was also supported.

Hampshire County Council, in partnership with East Hampshire District Council and Petersfield Town Council, began work on the transport strategy for Petersfield in 1998.

The plans were shown at a public exhibition in May which was transferred to the Festival Hall until July.

Now the strategy has been endorsed by Hampshire County Council and work is expected to start next year.