SPEED limits on six roads in Portland could be reduced in a bid to cut accidents.

The move follows a push by Coun Les Ames and former Weymouth and Portland councillor and honorary alderman Harry Booth calling for a 40mph limit to be introduced on all roads on the island.

However, members of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council will be asked to consider reducing the limit on just six roads - New Road, Priory Road, Easton Lane, Wide Street, Southwell Road and Portland Bill Road.

Members of the borough council's environment and conservation committee will hear on Monday that the restrictions are only being considered for the six because resources were not available to carry out surveys for the whole of Portland.

A report to the committee says that the new limits are being introduced in the light of speed surveys in conjunction with accident statistics for the roads.

Committee members are being asked to consider reducing the limit from 50mph to 40mph on New Road, Priory Road, Easton Lane and Wide Street and reducing the limit to 50mph from 60mph on Southwell Road and Portland Bill Road.

The report says: "The speed surveys indicate that there is no particular problem. A reduced limit would be in accordance with policy."

Members of the committee are also being asked to support a right-turning lane on Easton Lane to cover the junctions with Inmosthay and Chesil Beach Motors in the local transport plan programme for 2004/2005.

"The concern that this research has highlighted is the cluster of accidents in the vicinity of Inmosthay and Chesil Beach Motors," says the report "Most of these accidents involve right-turning traffic. A right-turn lane catering for both entrances needs to considered."

If the speed restrictions are introduced following public consultation, new signs will cost the council in the region of £10,000 the committee will be told.