DRIVERS on a busy Newport arterial road will face a 20mph speed limit as part of a council scheme to slow down traffic using a short cut.

Mendalgief Road is the busiest of almost 30 streets in western Pill that will have their speed limit slashed from 30mph to 20mph.

The council fears drivers will use the area as a short cut to Cardiff Road when the £55m Southern Distributor Road (SDR) is opened in June.

Traffic already forms long rush-hour queues on Mendalgief Road, waiting for controversial traffic-lights that were installed last summer.

Councillor Ron Jones, who represents the Pill ward, said: "These changes were first suggested some three years ago, when we consulted residents.

"One of the issues was the SDR and the congestion of traffic in that area. "Mendalgief Road is a straight run and people go down there too fast. This is about traffic levels and road safety. The new limit will give police the power to do something."

The new limit will take effect on Friday, February 13, and the council is installing road-narrowing measures to calm traffic on Mendalgief Road.

Peter Landers, manager of Newport YMCA and chairman of governors at St Michael's Primary - two institutions situated on affected roads, said: "The 20mph limit won't make much difference to users of the YMCA, but it's a benefit for children and young people crossing the roads here.

"Occasionally there are people driving like lunatics along Mendalgief Road. Hopefully this will deter them."

A spokeswoman for Newport council said: "A number of roads in the area have already got traffic-calming measures.

"This is an increase to deter people from using Mendalgief Road as a short cut to the SDR."

Roads to be affected ADELINE Street, Alice Street, Arthur Close, Arthur Street, Baldwin Close, Baldwin Street, Belle Vue Terrace, Courtybella Terrace, David Close, Haynes Close, James Street, Jeddo Close, Jeddo Street, Lime Close, Marion Street, Mendalgief Road, Milman Street, Oswald Road, Pottery Terrace, Price Close, Robert Close, Watch House Parade - from its junction with Wolseley Street to its north-eastern end, Wingate Street, Wolseley Close, Wolseley Street, unnamed access lane linking Arthur Street, Robert Close and Price Close, unnamed access lane linking Adeline Street, Alice Street and Milman.