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24
Nov 2022
Plan submitted for 20mph zones around five schools in Harrogate
A community-led plan could see five schools in the west of Harrogate involved in a pilot scheme to encourage pupils to walk and cycle.
Harrogate Grammar School, Rossett School and Ashville College, along with Rossett Acre and Western primary schools, would all be covered by a 20mph zone with supporting infrastructure, such as safe crossing points.
Jenny Marks presented the proposal to North Yorkshire County Council's Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee this morning.
It follows extensive work done by Dr Marks, Ruth Lily and other members of the community to engage with schools, parents and community groups to assess potential support for the scheme. Dr Marks told the meeting:
Dr Marks said the extensive consultation had enabled the group to formulate a detailed plan for the area which would help to make walking and cycling safer, encouraging people out of their cars.
She said the changes would be increasingly important as more and more homes were built in the area, increasing the number of children travelling to local schools.
She received support from across the chamber for the plan, which followed the committee voting to support 20mph zones around schools at its previous meeting last month.
Read more:
- 20mph speed limits to be investigated in Harrogate and Knaresborough
- Pannal Ash residents call for 20mph zone for four schools
Councillors praised the work the group had done to engage with the local community, including speaking at Harrogate and Pannal Ash Residents Association's AGM.
Cllr Michael Schofield (pictured above), whose Harlow and St George's division includes three of the five schools involved, said:
Highways department to decide
The proposal for the zone will be submitted to North Yorkshire County Council's highways department, which will consider whether the 20mph zone could be introduced. Highways officers are expected to report back to the area committee at a future meeting.
However, Cllr Pat Marsh, who represents the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division, said a 20mph limit had been outside Hookstone Chase Primary School for 15 years but was ignored. She added:
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