RECKLESS drivers will no longer be able to use a Wroughton road as a rat run after Swindon Borough Council imposed a new speed limit down Priors Hill.

Residents living in Priors Hill and Devizes Road have complained for years about traffic whizzing down the hill on their way into the village, frightening pedestrians trying to use the road, which has very narrow pavements.

But now Swindon Borough Council has proposed introducing a 20mph speed limit along the section of road to slow down the traffic.

Steve Harcourt, the chairman of the Wroughton Parish Council, said: “I think it is something residents have been wanting for a long time.

“And the parish council has been campaigning for this to be brought in for a long time.

“There have been problems with cars speeding down Priors Hill which can be very dangerous, especially since many children use the road while walking to the school.

“It’s something that the parish council have been really passionate about so we’re really pleased it is finally being brought in.

“It’s great that it’s coming in and we’re very pleased the borough have taken this decision.”

The order will be in force along several roads, including Priors Hill from its junction with A4361, to a point 370 metres south of its junction with Greens Lane.

It will also be along Greens Lane from its junction with the B4005, to its junction with Priors Hill.

And it will cover Bakers Road from its junction with The Pitchens to its junction with Priors Hill.

It will also cover Overtown Hill from its junction with the B4005, for a distance of 164 metres in a south-easterly direction, along Snapps Close, Roberts Close, Manor Close, Willow Walk, Coombe Close, Wanshott Close and St Helens Gardens for their entire lengths.

It will also be in force along the entirety of Devizes Road from its junction with Priors Hill.

A Statement of Reasons for the limit compiled by Swindon Borough Council said the order would be made in the interests of safety.

It said: “A request was made from Wroughton Parish Council for the introduction of a 20mph limit in the Priors Hill area of Wroughton.

“An initial investigation found that it would be best to include the other roads in the vicinity, which adheres to Department For Transport guidance.

“Speed surveys were then carried out and the results met the criteria for the introduction of a 20mph limit.

“The two local councillors were consulted and they both supported the proposals.

“The funding of approximately £5,000 to £6,000 will come from the Locality budget.

A further £4,500 will come from the 2014-15 budget and the remainder from the 2015-16 budget.”

Residents had until yesterday to object to the order.