The speed limit for Sheffield city centre will be reduced from 30mph to 20mph to make "roads safer, better for pedestrians and cyclists, and improve air quality".

The decision was announced by Jack Scott, cabinet member for transport and sustainability at Sheffield City Council, with limit signage to be introduced by the end of 2017 following strong public support.

He added: "I’m pleased that the 20mph consultation was received so positively. This Labour Council is absolutely determined to improve road safety throughout the city and 20mph zones play a big role in this.

"Not only do speeds reduce, there’s a reduction in the severity of the accidents and an improvement in air quality.”

Feedback was sought on council plans to provide 20mph on 300-plus roads apart from a few major thoroughfares. The council committed to a gradual wide area 20mph rollout in 2012. 20mph predominates in about a third of residential areas.

Richard Attwood, Simon Geller (right in pic), Prof Peter Marsh (left in pic) and Ian Loasby are delighted with the 20mph city centre news. Organisation 20’s Plenty for Sheffield has long campaigned for the move.

Attwood said:​ "20's plenty for Sheffield is pleased to see a legally enforceable 20mph maximum speed limit being put in place across the centre of our great city.

"20's plenty for Sheffield also now urges the council and its statutory partners to give greater priority to informing Sheffielders of the many benefits arising from lower speeds, so they may more readily choose to comply with the new limits."