SPEED limits would be cut to 20 mph on a number of key town-centre roads in Abingdon as part of a proposed £500,000 scheme.

Townsfolk welcomed the move, which would see the limit cut from 30 mph in Stert Street, High Street, Bridge Street, East and West St Helen Street, Abbey Close and St Helen’s Wharf.

Oxfordshire County Council, which is to introduce a similar reduction on roads in Oxford, believes it will make Abingdon more pedestrian and cycle-friendly — and cut air pollution.

Mario Lolli, 52, manager of the Crown and Thistle Hotel in Bridge Street, said: “Lowering the speed limit would be good for the town and the community.

“Drivers tend to speed from the town centre down Bridge Street. This will make it a lot safer for people.”

Michael Harrison, of Stert Street, said: “The streets will certainly be quieter, which is a positive. Less speed has got to be welcomed as it will be safer for pedestrians and shoppers.”

Members of the Abingdon Integrated Transport Strategy (AbITS) working party have already been asked for their views on a 20mph limit.

It is thought the scheme would not need fresh traffic- calming measures, such as speed humps.

Lesley Legge, leader of Abingdon Town Council, said: “We are pleased the town is getting a 20mph speed limit.

“It will be a lot safer for pedestrians and cyclists going through the town and should make the traffic run smoother.”

Meanwhile, work is being carried out to improve the standard of pavements and the road in High Street.

Town councillor Julie Mayhew-Archer said: “Pavements in High Street are in a pretty grotty state and have been in need of repair for a long time.

“This is the final part of the short-term measures of the AbITS scheme and will certainly help to smarten up the town centre.”

The AbITS scheme was introduced in 2006 to improve air quality and make the town centre a more pleasant environment for shoppers.

But it sparked controversy and led to frequent traffic congestion.

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman said: “In terms of air quality, cars that travel at 30mph but stop and start in queues create more pollution than cars travelling at a steady 20mph.

“The lower speed limit would therefore improve the environment, safety and quality of life for pedestrians, cyclists and residents.”

County council highway managers said a 20mph speed limit would be implemented before April 2010, but after formal consultation.

Acting Supt Gill Wootton, head of the Thames Valley Police roads policing department, said: “Where the speed limit has been changed following proper consultation and there has been the implementation of appropriate engineering measures, we will respond to the concerns of the public and provide enforcement where the behaviour of the minority of offenders needs to be addressed.”