Local councils have imposed maximum tax hikes on residents to help fund millions of pounds of spending on new 20mph speed limit zones, it has been revealed.

Gloucestershire County Council and Hertfordshire County Council have both proposed a 4.99 per cent rise in council tax from April.

This is the maximum annual hike allowed, in normal circumstances, before councils are required to hold a local referendum.

The cap is made up of 2.99 per cent for general spending and a 2 per cent adult social care precept.

Both the councils, which are run as minority administrations by the Liberal Democrats, said they will spend extra cash on new 20mph zones.

Lisa Spivey, the leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said 20mph zones, potholes, and care for adults and children were her authority’s top priorities.

‘We’re investing £2m so we can begin the rollout of our 20mph zones,’ she told the BBC.

Read more: Local councils impose maximum tax hikes to help fund 20mph speed limit zones