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Nov 2022

Last Updated: 08/11/2022

Transport

20mph speed limits to be investigated in Harrogate and Knaresborough

by John Plummer

| 08 Nov, 2022

North Yorkshire transport leader Cllr Keane Duncan says the move would be 'controversial' and cost 'several million pounds'.

Trial 20mph speed limits are to be investigated in residential areas in the Harrogate district.

North Yorkshire County Council's executive agreed to look into running pilot schemes at a meeting today.

The Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, which advises the executive, requested the measure last month.

The committee asked for the limit to be tested in towns and villages “where a need has been identified”.

Cllr Keane Duncan, the council's executive member for highways and transportation, said at today’s executive meeting:

“It’s fair to say that a default 20mph limit is controversial. While it has some support, it also attracts strong opposition.

“The pilot being called for by the constituency committee represents a radical departure from our existing approach, which is based on national guidelines. It could also cost several million pounds.

“I am very keen that we investigate options to be able to provide an evidence-based assessment of the request. This will require information on factors such as road safety, environment, value for money, enforcement and lessons from other local authorities."

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He added:

“It would also be useful to learn lessons from our own authority. It was only nine months ago that the executive agreed a new 20mph policy, so it is important we assess how that is working and any changes needed.

“I welcome the opportunity to investigate these factors thoroughly in order to be able to give an informed and comprehensive response to the constituency committee’s request in due course.”

The council's current 20mph policy, which can be viewed here, says any 20mph limits must be self-enforcing and operate without a reliance on police intervention.

20's Plenty

Today's decision is a boost for local supporters of the 20's Plenty campaign, which is pushing for a speed limit of 20mph to be normal on residential streets and in town and village centres

Yesterday, pensioner Pam Fawcett, 79, delivered a card to County Hall in Northallerton on behalf of the 20's Plenty initiative in North Yorkshire.

The card calls for the forthcoming North Yorkshire Council to invest £1m into introducing 20mph limits in the county.

Malcolm Margolis, who supports the campaign in Harrogate, said:

"Default 20mph is gradually being adopted across the country and will come to Harrogate district and North Yorkshire.

"It needs to, to save lives, reduce road casualties, encourage people to walk and cycle more benefitting our health and environment, and make our towns and villages better places to live in."

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20mph speed limits to be investigated in Harrogate and Knaresborough

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20's Plenty