THE proposed roll-out of 20mph speed limits across the borough of Warrington will cost an estimated  £740,000 - and it could take 10 years to complete.
Roads where the new limit will be imposed will be prioritised - and the first to be dealt with are likely to be the more densely populated town centre and Orford areas.
These are among proposals in a report to be presented to the borough council's environment and housing overview and scrutiny committee tomorrow (Tuesday)
In the main, the 20mph limit will be applied to residential roads - that is, where there are at least 21 dwellings.
But other considerations will be schools, shops and other buildings attracting pedestrians.
The limit will not be introduced on primary emergency service routes or primary bus routes nor key link roads, such as distributor, spinal or key connective roads.
Funding for the roll-out will come from Warrington's Local Transport Plan (LTP). But funding for this has been cut by 40 per cent due to Government funding reductions which means less money will be available for all LTP projects, including the roll-out of 20mph.
Based on the 2011-12 funding allocation of £75,000, the roll-out could take up to 10 years, although it may be possible to obtain funding from other sources to reduce this period.
Predictably, the "20s Plenty for Us" campaign actively supports the planned lower limits.
But Warrington Borough Council is concerned that 20mph limits on key bus routes would make it more difficult to maintain and improve existing timetables - something seen as essential if more people are to be persuaded to use buses instead of cars.
Cheshire Police point out that some routes are not suitable for 20mph limits and this could lead to confusion and frustration among drivers, leading to aggressive overtaking and tailgating.
The police have also made it clear that there must be a clear defiance of the speed limit by a substantial number of drivers before enforcement could take place.
Areas to be affected in the first year of the roll-out will be Milner Street, Warrington Hospital, Orford Lane, Cockhedge Centre, Bold Street, Wilderspool and Heath Road.
In the second year, areas include the Peace Centre, Dallam, Orford Park, Alexandra Street, Bruche and Howley.
The areas to be dealt with last - possibly in the 10th year - include parts of Croft, Burtonwood and Winwick, Grappenhall and Thelwall, Appleton, Hatton, Stretton and Walton, Lymm and Culcheth and Glazebury