A councillor says latest data has proved that drivers have slowed down since 20mph zones were introduced.

County councillor Mark Watkin says an area of Nascot in Watford is safer after the zones were brought in in early 2018.

For example, in Greenbank Road area, measures introduced have reduced the mean vehicle speeds by 1-4mph.

On average road speeds have dropped by 1-7mph on dozens of roads.

For 20mph zones to be introduced, it has to be proved the mean speed vehicles travel is 25mph or less.

In Nascot, new signage, road markings, and bumps have helped slow drivers down.

Cllr Watkin said: "This scheme is about creating a safer environment in our neighbourhoods where children and pedestrians can see that we’re working with them to improve road safety.

"The study shows that 20mph zones have an impact, they help us reduce carbon emissions, make journeys safer and reduce speeds.

"I look forward to working with the community to improve road safety still further."

In April, we revealed a study carried out across Watford showed nearly all side roads or residential roads in the town were considered suitable locations for 20mph zones.

The study showed that 350 out of 380 streets in the town which have a 30mph limit would fall within guidelines of a 20mph speed limit.

A report in The Times newspaper at the weekend found cutting the speed limit to 20mph reduces crashes and saves lives - but only if it is introduced alongside road humps or chicanes.

Research commissioned by the Department for Transport and published last year found "little evidence of safety benefits" on roads with 20mph signs after reviewing nine 20mph zones.