THE Clarke Foley Centre was packed on Tuesday evening for a public meeting called by Ilkley Road Safety Action Group (IRSAG) to discuss traffic calming measures planned for the town.

There was standing room only as more than 200 people turned out to hear co-chairmen, Andrew Cunliffe and James Stretton explain the timeline of Ilkley’s traffic calming developments, which includes a town-wide 20mph zone and the installation of 133 speed cushions.

They made it very clear from the start that, although the Town Council is split 7-7 on this matter on political lines, IRSAG is apolitical. James Stretton said he knew of people who had voted Conservative for the first time ever in the May election this year, specifically to oppose the speed-calming proposals.

The co-chairmen explained how IRSAG was founded as a result of a perceived lack of interest on the part of both Bradford and Ilkley councils in the overwhelming opposition of public consultation respondents to the proposals as they currently stand.

It was noted that Simon D’Vali, Bradford Highways’ Senior Engineer had said at the full council meeting on July 3 that he was mandated to proceed because of a binding legal agreement between Ilkley and Bradford, pledging £87,500 of Ilkley’s money and that, without that money, Bradford would not proceed, since it had many other higher priorities for its own money. He had also stated that the public consultation (which revealed 91 per cent of respondents as being against speed cushions) would not reverse the scheme but only dilute it; and that, following representations from the organisers of the annual Ilkley Cycle Race, there would be no speed cushions on its route.

Amongst a good deal of other history, Andrew Cunliffe pointed out that Ilkley Town council had approved the signing of the contractual deal with Bradford, committing the £87,500, by a majority decision – but with only seven councillors actually present. He said this raised doubts as to the validity of the decision.

There were many other speakers from the floor, with most vociferously against any form of ‘road engineering’.

Attendees pointed out various objections from possible misuse of council funds to the adverse impact of speed-calming in the town on the queues on the A65.

One speaker, who actually supported a town-wide 20mph speed limit, was against speed cushions on account of the dangers they pose to cyclists. A town/parish meeting, which councillors would be obliged to attend, was also suggested.

Votes were taken by a show of hands to gauge opinion of alternative measures and there was overwhelming objection to the current proposals.

Finally, a motion was passed formally to task Bradford District Councillors to take into account the strength of feeling at the meeting and request that Bradford Council drop their proposals.

A similar motion was passed for the meeting to request that Ilkley Town Council reconsider its support for the proposals, again based on the strength of feeling at the meeting.

Both motions were carried on a show of hands with overwhelming majorities.

Residents have until noon on Friday, July 28, 2023 to comment on the plans by emailing legalobjections@bradford.gov.uk quoting the following references and giving reasons for their comments:

Road Humps – CORP/PCD/DS/414370

Speed Limits – CORP/PCD/DS/414368

There will be an extraordinary meeting of Ilkley Town Council on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 in the Large Hall at the Clarke Foley Centre, at 7.30pm. Members of the public wishing contact IRSAG can email: ilkleyroadsafety@hotmail.com