MOTORISTS trying to dodge tailbacks in Backwell by zooming along residential roads could soon be breaking the law if they go faster than 20mph. In 2004, after four years of campaigning, villagers were relieved when a 30mph speed limit and a 7.5ton weight

MOTORISTS trying to dodge tailbacks in Backwell by zooming along residential roads could soon be breaking the law if they go faster than 20mph.In 2004, after four years of campaigning, villagers were relieved when a 30mph speed limit and a 7.5ton weight limit were introduced in Rodney Road, Embercourt Drive, Moorfield Road and Westfield Road.But two years later, drivers are still using them as a rat run to save having to queue at the traffic lights at the junction of the A370 and Station Road.Residents say impatient motorists are still speeding along their roads so now they are aiming to slow them down by lobbying for a 20mph speed limit to be put in place.Rodney Drew, chairman of the Rodney Road Action Campaign, said: "Despite the introduction of the 30mph speed limit, some drivers still persist in using residential roads in Backwell as a rat run."The 30mph speed limit may have made drivers more conscious of how fast they are going, but it hasn't made any practical difference, which is why we'd like to see a lower speed limit introduced."The roads are so busy, and some vehicles are travelling at such speeds, that cyclists ride on the pavement, and crossing the road is particularly nerve-racking parents with pushchairs, the elderly and disabled people."I've spoken to one of our district councillors, Peter Burden, and he has advised us to collect some data on the number of vehicles exceeding the current speed limit."Once we've gathered the information, he has agreed to help us by putting our case for a 20mph speed limit to North Somerset Council's highways department.