The Scottish Executive wants to see road accidents cut

Housing estates in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dundee and Caithness have been among the first to benefit.

Ms Boyack backed the scheme during a visit to one of the new home zones on the Ormlie council estate in Thurso.

She said: "They are not just about reducing traffic speed, they are about creating a safe and pleasant living environment.

"I have been impressed by the type of developments I have seen in the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia.

'Very impressed'

"The Ormlie home zone project reflects upon the need to adapt successful initiatives and to work with communities to develop local improvements that will best suit our needs.

"Experience on the continent suggests that residents have a vital role to play in the success of a home zone project and I have been very impressed by the level of support and enthusiasm the people in Ormlie have shown towards this project from the start.

Sarah Boyack: "Pleasant living environment"

"I congratulate them and the Ormlie Community Association on being selected to implement their plans."

The measure forms part of a major �3.8m facelift of Ormlie which is being led by the local residents' association.

The home zone was introduced into the area after road safety and improved play areas emerged as the two pressing concerns of local people.

The Department of Environment Transport and the Regions is currently monitoring nine pilot home zones in England.