A fracking site near Preston is to see a major road have its speed limit slashed to 20mph.

Lancashire County Council says it is reducing the speed limit in Preston New Road for the safety of drivers, police, protesters and vehicles accessing the site.

Anti-fracking demonstrators have been outside the Cuadrilla site since shale gas exploration resumed at the site in January.

The county council says temporary signs are now in place for a 30mph limit and and an enforceable 20mph will then be put in place.

Cabinet member for highways and transport county councillor John Fillis said: “There is currently a lot of activity near this site and the police have raised concerns about the safety of the public, motorists, and their officers, in such a busy location.

“I visited the site last week and it’s clear that reducing the speed limit would help to minimise the risks, and potentially prevent a serious incident. I discussed the situation with the police and protestors, and everyone I spoke with agreed that reducing the speed limit would help to improve safety.

Read more: Anti-fracking protesters push down fence to access Cuadrilla site

“Initially we will bring in an advisory 30mph limit using temporary signs, but as soon as possible afterwards we will introduce a 20mph limit. We can’t do this immediately as it will take a short while to design a scheme, manufacture the signs, and prepare the legal order needed to change the speed limit and ensure it’s enforceable.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and I would ask people to respect the changes to the speed limit and drive with extra caution in this area.”

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