THE DEATH of an 85 year old woman in Otley has sparked calls for a road safety review.

The woman, who has not been named, was hit by a green DAF tipper truck on Bridge Street just before 11am on Monday, September 10.

The incident happened at the pedestrian crossing beside the road's junction with Cattle Market Street and the road was closed as emergency services attended.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

The driver of the truck, a 55-year-old man, stopped and has been spoken to by the police.

Investigations are continuing and anyone who witnessed the incident is being asked to contact the West Yorkshire Police Major Collision Enquiry Team by calling 101, quoting reference number 13180451159.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon), meanwhile, is asking for road safety measures in the area to be re-evaluated.

He said: "I was sorry to hear of the tragic accident on Monday and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the victim.

"While it is important to wait until the police find out the exact cause of the fatality I think that it would be useful to look at road safety in the area.

"In the meantime I have asked enforcement officers to visit the site and ensure motorists are not obstructing the keep clear areas around the crossing, and I will also be raising the issue of a lorry ban* with senior council officers."

Road closures remained in place for much of Monday while the vehicle was recovered and the scene was examined, with drivers being advised to avoid the area.

*A campaign to get a lorry ban - which would force HGVS to bypass Otley - was pursued during the Noughties and led by the Safety On Otley's Roads group.

It faltered after Leeds City Council announced that it would have 'major reservations' about supporting the move due to opposition from neighbouring authorities and concerns about the impact on communities like Pool-in-Wharfedale.