It has been announced that roads in and around planned eco-towns within the U.K will receive a speed limit of 15mph.

The speed restriction will apply to all vehicles travelling within designated eco-friendly towns, and also to vehicles travelling on key roads leading to these towns. It is expected that the centers of these eco-friendly towns will be car free.

The 15mph speed limit is designed to minimise carbon emissions caused as a result of transportation, reducing the carbon emissions of visitors and residents.

The government have been criticised by some environmentalists for not doing enough to reduce the ecological impact of the proposed eco-towns.

The impact of the development for the proposed eco-towns is a key concern for environmentalists, due to the impact construction would have on the surrounding environment and wildlife.

It is expected that anywhere up to five eco-friendly towns will be developed before 2016, and this figure could increase to as many as 10 new towns by 2020. Population levels of these towns are predicted to be between 5,000 and 20,000.

The eco-towns will not only be restricted by speed limit, but also other limitations. The towns should make use of renewable technologies to provide sources of zero-carbon energy. Large areas of open parkland will also play a key role in the design of these eco-friendly towns, with an expected minimum of 1 acre of parkland for every 100 homes.

A strong aspect of community will feature in new eco-towns, with vital services such as schools and surgeries to be within a 10 minute walk of homes.

Bids were invited from across England by the government, and any successful bids will receive a level of government funding that is currently undisclosed.

The eco-town plans should help the governments commitment that all new homes will be zero-carbon by 2016.