Speed limits to be lowered on roads across town

Speed limits could be lowered to 20mph (32km/h) on a large number of residential streets near 10 schools and colleges in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Council is expected to reduce the limit from 30mph (48kmh) on dozens of streets, following a 2023 petition that was signed by more than 900 people.

The local authority previously announced it planned to review speed limits outside every school, nursery and college in North Yorkshire due to safety concerns.

Heather Yendall, highways improvement manager at the council, said in a report that reducing the speed limits in Harrogate would create "safer and healthier streets".

"The benefits of promoting safer and healthier streets by the implementation of 20mph speed limits in this area, which has a high proportion of schools, outweigh the negatives and achieve the objectives of road safety and healthier travel," Ms Yendall said.

Implementation of the reduced speed limits is expected to cost about £200,000.

Six objections were submitted by local residents who were opposed to the reduced limits, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

They claimed slower journey times and increased traffic could make drivers complacent, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

One resident said: "Reducing speed limits across a wide area could lead to unnecessary congestion, particularly on roads that are not heavily used by pedestrians or cyclists.

"This might increase travel times and cause frustration for drivers, potentially encouraging drivers to seek alternative routes that may be less safe."

Another resident said: "This money would of course be better spent on repairing potholes and very poor road surfaces in Harrogate, which represents a more significant danger to all road users and pedestrians."

Council officers, however, said the reduced speed limits would improve safety and would not significantly increase journey times.

Results of a consultation process, which included speed and collision data, site visits, observations and local engagement, will be considered by councillors later this month.

The 30mph limit is to be kept on several main routes, including Leeds Road, Wetherby Road, Otley Road, Hookstone Road, Hookstone Drive, York Place and Leadhall Lane.

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