New 20mph zone approved for Hull's Old Town

Plans to introduce a 20mph zone in Hull's Old Town following the death of a woman who was hit by a car have been approved.

Hull City Council said the speed limit would be put in place by the end of the summer, as part of its wider plans to improve the area for pedestrians.

Rebecca Kirby, 31, died on Lowgate on 27 August 2021 and the coroner at the inquest into her death made a request for the area to be made safer for people.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo said other measures would include "widening the footpaths and providing better crossing facilities".

The 20mph zone will be in place near Hull College and the retail and entertainment venues located between George Street and the A63 Castle Street.

It will also cover Savile Street, Vernon Street, Queens Dock Avenue, Princes Dock Street, Guildhall Road, Alfred Gelder Street and the side streets off Lowgate that border the River Hull.

The council said other works that are planned would include widening the footway outside of O'Leary's pub in Lowgate to make crossing easier and the creation of a lay-by for the taxi rank.

There would also be a new signalised crossing facility at Silver Street and Scale Lane, as well as a wider footpath at various locations on Market Place and Lowgate, the authority said.

Ieronimo added: "When it comes to road safety, the council takes its responsibilities very seriously and is determined to improve the city's infrastructure to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists."

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Click here to download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad.

Click here to download the BBC News app from Google Play for Android devices.