MOTORISTS will be restricted to 20mph in Devizes if plans being considered by Kennet District Council are passed.

If agreed, the 20mph zone will come into force in the Market Place and along St John's Street, Long Street, Station Road, Hillworth Road, Bridewell Street and Hare and Hounds Street by October.

This week, Kennet sent out nearly 900 letters to residents and businesses whose premises front the streets involved, as well as councillors.

The letter also outlines the traffic calming measures that are planned.

Road humps, slightly lower than those in Sidmouth Street and Sheep Street where a 20mph limit is already in force, are planned for St John's Street, Wine Street, and Long Street, while raised junctions will be designed to slow traffic at the corners of Bridewell Street and Hillworth Road. Mini-roundabouts were originally planned but withdrawn following objections from The Trust for Devizes.

In Hillworth Road five pairs of small bumps, are scheduled to go along the length of the road from Long Street to Hartmoor Road.

Station Road will be narrowed by pavement bulges and cushions.

After residents and businesses have been canvassed there will be a three-week public consultation on the project.

Ron Crook, Kennet's director of community services, said: "We have put this together on the basis of what people have been telling us.

"They said they wanted to make the town a safer place by slowing down traffic.

"Now we are carrying out a consultation process and asking for people's views."

Mr Crook said: "The 20mph zone and traffic calming will be modified in the light of comments received from local people."