Traffic calming measures and a 20mph speed limit could be in place around Ledbury primary and the John Masefield high schools next year

The move is part of Herefordshire Council's Safer Routes to School scheme.

But the idea of the strategically placed limits means more time must be allowed for public consultation.

Steve Burgess, the county's senior transport planning officer, said this had caused "a slight delay" in the implementation of a Safer Routes to School strategy for Ledbury.

He added: "It's the detail we are looking at, such as how frequent we want the humps to be, and where to place them."

The idea of the 20mph zones follows a pilot scheme in the Tupsley area of Here-ford.

Another idea being discussed for Ledbury is to use the Town Trail as part of the scheme, by making it more cyclist-friendly.

Schools will be asked to help develop "Travel Plans" for their pupils, so that the traffic-calming measures are complemented by schemes such as organised car sharing and a "walking bus".

This is when a group of parents volunteer to walk numbers of children to school along a safe and designated route.

Solihull-based consultants Ove Arup will make their final report with proposals to the council by Christmas.

Celia Naylor, head of Ledbury primary, said: "I completely support the Safer Routes to School initiative, and the sooner it is implemented, the better."

Andy Evans, head at John Masefield, said: "Ensuring pupils are safe on their journey to and from school is vital."