Speed limits in the north of the borough will be cut to 20mph by the end of the month.

The restrictions will be enforced in Thornton Heath, Norbury, Selhurst, Upper Norwood and South Norwood after being given the green light by Croydon Council's traffic management advisory committee this week.

The move will affect most residential roads in the north of the borough, the majority of which currently have 30mph limits.

Fifty-three respondents to a consultation between May and June last year were in favour of the changes.

Twenty-three objections letters were sent to council complaining it would "increase journey times".

Council leader Tony Newman said: "It makes the community a much safer place to live in if traffic is travelling slower.

“It doesn’t apply to the main roads, on the main roads we want to see the traffic flowing but in residential areas we want to slow the traffic up and make it a safer place for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

“There has been huge public support for this.”

A council report said: "The proposed scheme should assist the council in encouraging more sustainable transport use such as walking and cycling by reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety and the perception that the streets are safer and more user friendly.

"Any modal shift to more sustainable transport achieved as a result of the wider implementation of 20mph speed limits will also assist in improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions contributing to the council’s objectives."

The limits will come into force on or after February 18.