BBC News | March 24, 2008

Vehicles driving on roads in planned eco-towns will have to stick to 15mph speed limits, it has emerged.

The restriction is among proposals designed to minimise the environmental impact of the settlements.

Government sources say the new town centres are to be car-free, and the 15mph limit will be enforced on “key roads” leading into them.

Environmental protesters have criticised the scheme for focusing too narrowly on carbon emissions.



‘Revolutionary living’

More than 50 bids to create the zero-carbon developments have been entered by companies.

Housing minister Caroline Flint will set out standards expected of them later this week and the announcement of the shortlist of 10 new towns is expected in the coming weeks.

Ms Flint said: “These developments will be exemplars for the rest of the world, not just the rest of the country. It’s critical that we get it right – and I make no apology for setting the bar as high as possible.

“We have a unique opportunity to deliver a programme which will genuinely revolutionise the way people live.”

Up to five eco-towns are expected to be built by 2016, and up to 10 by 2020.

They will have populations of around 5,000 to 20,000 and be linked to larger towns and cities.

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