MOTORISTS have been told that pedestrian islands may be built across the capital if 20mph warning signs are ignored under proposals to introduce a new city-wide speed limit.

A consultation has just begun into the plans which aim to reduce injuries.

The idea is the brainchild of City of Edinburgh Council, whose transport convenor Councillor Lesley Hinds said yesterday it aimed to initially use 20mph signs to let road users know of speed reduction from the current 30mph limit.

But Cllr Hinds warned: "We'll concentrate mainly on signage, although physical measures like pedestrian islands may be required on some residential streets where speeds don't fall sufficiently with a signs-and-paint-only approach.

"Speed humps will not be used on any main streets - ie those most likely to have bus services on them - which move to a 20mph limit." She added the proposed change would have a 'limited' impact on bus services.

The plan follows a pilot in South Edinburgh, with the new limit covering the city centre, shopping areas and residential neighbourhoods. People can contribute their views by logging onto www.edinburgh.gov.uk/20mph.