Drive for more 20mph zones to cut crash toll

The council's cabinet are meeting to discuss a trial of 20mph zones to take advantage of planned changes in legislation.

In some circumstances 20mph zones could be introduced without the usual road humps or any other physical traffic calming features.

A report by Ian Gray, director of economy and environment, says: "The number of people killed and seriously injured on Calderdale's roads is not falling as quickly as it needs to in order to meet government and council targets... there is a danger that if we simply carry on doing what we've always done, then we are unlikely to continue to make a real difference.

"A significant number of both area and ward forums are indicating that safety related traffic issues cause them a great deal of anxiety.

"There is a building momentum for the introduction of appropriate 20mph areas... at this very early stage we would not recommend a blanket 20mph across the district.

"We believe that we should target the areas as being those sensibly defined residential areas where casualty rates are highest. A key element of the 20mph approach will be the support of the police in enforcing the restrictions.

"Two trial sites for 20mph speed limits should be identified and promoted and criteria developed for possible roll-out in future years.''

The cost of the proposals is estimated at 100,000.

The introduction of 20mph speed zones in London has reduced road injuries by more than 40 per cent. A report in the British Medical Journal found young children benefited most from 20mph zones.

Cabinet will discuss the proposals on Monday at 4pm.