RESIDENTS of Cotebrook have welcomed the support of MP Stephen O'Brien in their battle for traffic calming measures along the A49.

The shadow minister for Skills and Higher Education was presented with a petition signed by about 1,000 residents on Friday requesting the introduction of a mandatory maximum speed limit of 40 mph on the A49, which passes through the village.

The petition asks the Eddisbury MP - responsible for wards in Northwich and Winsford - to make representations on their behalf to both Cheshire County Council and Parliament.

And this is a plea that Stephen is only too happy to accept. He said: "I fully support the call by local residents for the current advisory limit of 40mph along the A49 through Cotebrook to become mandatory with suitable enforcement measures.

"This dangerous route has been the scene of numerous accidents over the past few years and carries thousands of fast moving and heavy goods vehicles, the volumes of which are escalating each year."

And Mr O'Brien agrees with residents' concerns the advisory speed limit of 40mph may be causing confusion. He said: "I believe the advisory speed may create a false sense of security among motorists who may interpret this as being less serious in safety terms than a mandatory maximum limit.

"The risk is always there that some motorists may play fast and loose with an advisory limit as that is what it is - advisory."

But Mr O'Brien said a mandatory limit would need to be carefully examined.

He added: "I think we need to get the balance right and introducing a mandatory speed limit of 40mph, which needs to be monitored to see if it having the desired effect, could bring important benefits in safety terms for road users and residents."