THE controversial issue of reducing rural speed limits is to be debated by MPs.

Speed limits in rural Lincolnshire will be the subject of an adjournment debate tabled by Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Stephen Phillips on Wednesday (9 January).

Guidance to local authorities making it easier for them to implement lower speed limits on urban and rural roads was published by the government last year.

Road safety charity Brake believes the government to go further by proactively encouraging lower limits, especially widespread 20mph limits to protect people on foot and bicycle.

Brake awarded Mr Phillips its Road Safety Parliamentarian of the Month Award a little over a year ago, for his work to reduce speed limits on local roads.

The award was made came after he campaigned for reduced speed limits on rural roads through two villages in his constituency.

Brake insists road crashes are not accidents – describing them instead as devastating and preventable events, rather than chance mishaps.

"Calling them accidents undermines work to make roads safer, and can cause insult to families whose lives have been torn apart by needless casualties," it says.

But critics claim reducing speed limits will hit the rural economy by increasing journey times with little benefit in accident reduction.

Brake argues that lower speed limits improve safety and quality of life.

The charity wants 20mph to be the norm in towns and villages, with no more than 40-50mph on rural roads.

At their annual party conference last year, the Liberal Democrats voted in favour of widespread 20mph limits, accompanied by a programme of government investment.

The Lib Dems called for local authorities "to give active consideration to introducing 20mph limits in existing residential and other suitable roads over the next few years".

Schemes should be be designed in consultation with local residents, with a government minister responsible for working with local authorities to reduce speed limits.