A speed limit of just 20mph is set to be introduced in all non-major residential roads in Manchester.

The plan has received cross-party backing among city councillors – and town hall bosses will now draw up detailed proposals, saying it will help cut accidents.

The idea was proposed by the Liberal Democrats opposition and backed by the ruling Labour group.

It also called for a public information campaign on the 20mph zones, which are already in place outside many schools and some residential routes.

Victor Chamberlain, the Lib Dem councillor who put forward the motion, said: “Manchester has one of the worst records for road safety in the country. There are far too many needless deaths and while I support the fact the council has made steps to tackle this issue more still needs to be done.

“‘Twenty’s Plenty’ will have a significant impact on reducing the number of deaths and severity of accidents. It will also have a really positive impact on making roads more accessible, reducing pollution and encouraging people to walk and cycle.

“My constituents in Chorlton regularly tell me they want to see these limits in place. It’s fantastic that both Liberal Democrats and Labour councillors recognise the need for this.”

In 2010, 166 people were killed or seriously injured on Manchester's roads.

Coun Paul Andrews, executive member for neighbourhood services, revealed earlier this week that he would be calling for a meeting with transport minister Norman Baker to see how the government could support the idea.

He said: “We’ve been trying to push this for a long time in appropriate residential roads and we are happy to support the Lib Dem motion.”

Coun Andrews said he would be keen to have the new limits in place by May.