Speed limit to be cut on nearly 200 roads in town

Speed limits are to be cut on nearly 200 roads in parts of Harrogate in a bid to improve safety.

North Yorkshire Council has approved proposals to lower speed restrictions from 30mph (48 km/h) to 20mph (32 km/h) on a total of 190 roads in the south and west of the town.

The decision came after a petition was submitted to the council in June 2023 and a public consultation was held in December last year.

Keane Duncan, executive member for highways and transportation, said: "This is by far the largest 20mph scheme ever introduced by the council."

"It's part of our dedicated and continuing effort to improve road safety here in Harrogate and across North Yorkshire," Duncan said.

The council had put in efforts to ensure 20mph was appropriate for the nature of the roads involved, he said.

"As well as speed surveys, we have also conducted extensive local consultation to ensure there is public support for our plan."

Welcoming the move, Hazel Peacock, from the Oatlands and Pannal Ash Road Safety and Active Travel Group, said: "This is testament to the community's desire to improve road safety and create healthier and more pleasant environments to live, learn, work and play.

"We wholeheartedly thank all those involved – members of the community, schools, and local politicians who supported the campaign and the North Yorkshire Council team who have worked so hard to develop the scheme," she added.

The new 20mph limits are expected to be introduced over the next few months.

A further consultation could see traffic calming measures introduced to cut speeds on additional roads in Harrogate.

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