WEST WILTSHIRE MP Andrew Murrison has been assured by the Government that it will announce draft guidance on safety speed limits in villages at the end of February.

Concerns over a delay in providing county councils with government guidance on safety speed limits in rural areas sparked a reply from Transport Minister David Jamieson this week.

Dr Murrison said: "The Government seems to be making slow progress but I am hopeful that highways departments will receive the research-based advice they need shortly.

"Wiltshire County Council will then be in a position to take forward its programme of safety improvements to our roads in a rational way."

The draft government guidance will be sent to Wiltshire County Council and is subject to a period of public consultation before it is published.