Road's speed limit may be cut to reduce collisions

The new limit will apply to a section of Otley Old Road in Leeds

A lower speed limit should reduce collisions on a busy road after people living nearby raised safety fears, Leeds City Council has said.

The authority has proposed a reduction in the speed limit on part of Otley Old Road in Bramhope from 60mph to 40mph.

A council report said people were worried about the speed of traffic passing houses and businesses between Cookridge Lane and Dean Lane.

There had been four collisions in the past five years which were classed as “slight” but resulted in injuries, the report said.

Other damage-only crashes could have been avoided with lower vehicle speeds.

The report said: “There is an ongoing road traffic collision pattern on Otley Old Road which shows a continuing health and safety risk to members of the public and residents.”

The council advertised the speed limit plan, inviting public representations, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A decision notice dated 12 June said one objector had suggested a 50mph limit would be more appropriate but was overruled.

The report said the route was used by cyclists, walkers and runners who would be safer with a 40mph limit.

It said: “By overruling the objections received, Leeds City Council can introduce the lower 40mph speed limit.

"This will benefit users of Otley Old Road and residents through shorter stopping distances and greater approach times, allowing for safer use of the route overall, including junction manoeuvres."

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