New speed limits for nine West Sussex villages have been announced at a cost of £51,000.

Another two schemes could also be approved as part of a campaign by West Sussex County Council.

The limits are part of a project to cut road accidents.

Highways experts estimate there are 300 rural communities in West Sussex, of which half do not have a speed limit other than the national limit of 70mph.

A county council spokesman said: "An important element of our safety strategy is to implement at least ten priority sites for new village speed limits every year."

Sites earmarked for speed limits, which will mainly reduce traffic to 40mph, are at Adversane, near Billingshurst, Slinfold, near Horsham, and Upper Beeding, near Steyning.

Other schemes will be introduced in Lower Beeding, near Horsham, Coneyhurst, Fittleworth, near Pulborough, High Croft, the B2036 at Burgess Hill and the B2133 at Ashington.

County Hall has to advertise the changes before they can come into force.

Talks will also take place with Chichester District Council in the forthcoming months.

The council has objected to speed limits for East Harting, near Midhurst, and nearby Redford.