More 20mph zones on the way in Otley (From Ilkley Gazette)

More 20mph zones on the way in Otley

8:39am Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News

Speed-monitoring action will be undertaken on the Weston estate this year ahead of the second phase of a scheme to introduce 20mph zones across Otley.

The first stage of the lower speed limit plan, which will cover the Cambridge estate, North Parade and North Avenue and streets off Bradford Road, is due to be implemented this year.

But local councillors are keen to then extend it to include residential areas north of the river, too – including the busy Weston estate.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon), who first mooted the 20mph proposals about two years ago, also wants to have areas of concern monitored beforehand by the police.

He said: “Most roads have an issue with a small number of inconsiderate drivers who exceed the speed limit. This is why we have worked so hard to bring forward 20mph speed limits for Otley.

“The first phase of that should be in place this year, and then the second phase, which hopefully will cover residential streets north of the river, including the Weston estate.

“Highway officers are looking at the issues in the area and in particular what, if any, traffic-calming measures need to be introduced.

“As this is a long-term measure, I have also asked the police to include Weston Drive in their areas of concern, which include extra patrols and the deployment of the speed indicator device.”

For some residents, like 76- year-old Arthur Walker, who only moved to his home in Weston Drive a few months ago, the action cannot start fast enough.

He said: “When I came here I knew it was on the side of the road but I didn’t realise that it’s like a motorway here, with the number of cars going past so fast.

“Nearly everyone around me is in sheltered housing and many of us are elderly or disabled, but we must get more than 200 cars an hour along here and they’re travelling at crazy speeds. Some of them must be doing 60mph.”

The first phase of the 20mph limit scheme is being funded by £18,500, consisting of £10,000 from Otley Town Council, £5,000 from developers under a planning agreement and £3,573 from ward-based Initiative funds secured by Coun Campbell.