Warwickshire County Council will produce a costed plan into potential 20mph speed limits for residential areas across the county.

The decision was made at today's full council meeting, and officers will now seek resident's views on reduced speed limits, as well the financial implications.

A report to the council's cabinet is expected at the beginning of 2022.

Cllr Jonathon Chilvers (Grn, Leamington Brunswick) proposed the plans and said: "The estimate, based on other authorities that have done this, is that it would cost us about £2.2million as a county to change the 20mph signs but also to do all of those traffic regulation orders which are the main cost.

"There are lots of reasons to possibly move to a 20mph speed limit, but particularly casualty reductions."

A Conservative amendment to the original proposal included the need to consult residents on their views, rather than implementing a blanket 20mph speed limit in residential areas.

The amendment was approved.

Cllr Peter Butlin (Cons, Admirals & Cawston) said: "Where appropriate I think that we can do it, and with the motion before us we can explore the horses for courses approach and implement it where it is sensible to do so and where the public will go with us.

"The last thing we want to do is not to have the public with, us on this one and implement 20mph speed zones where it is not appropriate."

Today's announcement comes just a day after town and district Councillor for Kenilworth Richard Dickson submitted a petition to the county council, urging the authority to consider a wider 20mph speed zone for central Kenilworth.

Portfolio holder for planning and transport Cllr Wallace Redford said: "One size does not fit all in our circumstances. Careful considerations has got to be given to the wishes of residents.

"However, we do have to accept that there are some benefits. Less severe collisions, a more welcome environment for active transport, lower vehicle emissions, and of course improved air quality. All things that will need to be considered."