FED-UP villagers are demanding action to put the brakes on speeding drivers.

Residents in Houston say selfish motorists are travelling along local roads at speeds far in excess of the legal limit.

Now they are calling on Renfrewshire Council to introduce 20mph zones in the village, as well as neighbouring Crosslee, after a survey found the vast majority of residents would support the move.

John McAvoy, chairman of Houston Community Council, told the Gazette: “Our village is blighted by drivers travelling through it at speeds well in excess of the limit.

“More than 70 per cent of respondents voted ‘yes’ to a 20mph limit in Houston village and 60 per cent wanted to see this in Crosslee.

“Police have said that they will enforce whatever speed limit is in place and that it is no more difficult for them to enforce a 20mph speed limit than it is a 30mph limit.”

Mr McAvoy stressed it is mainly motorists from elsewhere who head through Houston during their journeys who are causing the problem.

He added: “To seek their agreement for reduced speed limits would be rather like asking burglars to approve the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.”

A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council offered some hope to residents who have requested a lower speed limit.

He said: “We welcome interest and will always work with local communities to address road safety considerations.

“We are currently considering the establishment of 20mph zones in residential areas in collaboration with other local authorities to ensure a consistent approach is adopted.

“Any move to a statutory 20mph zone would involve consultation with the general public and those who are directly affected by the proposals.”