New 20mph zone comes into force after road death

A newly installed 20mph sign in George Street, Hull

A 20mph zone has been introduced in Hull's Old Town following the death of a pedestrian.

The new speed limit came into force on Monday and is designed to reduce accidents near Hull College and in an area popular with pub-goers.

A coroner raised concerns about road safety in the area following an inquest into the death of Rebecca Kirby, 31, who was hit by a car on Lowgate on 27 August 2021.

The new zone covers an area between George Street and the A63, including Lowgate and the side streets running off it, as well as Savile Street, Vernon Street, Queens Dock Avenue, Princes Dock Street, Guildhall Road and Alfred Gelder Street.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, the transport portfolio holder, said the council was "determined to improve the city's infrastructure to create safe and welcoming neighbourhoods".

The zone covers much of Hull's Old Town

In addition to the 20mph zone, work is due to take place next year on other safety measures in Lowgate.

This will include widening footpaths and creating a layby for taxis outside O'Leary's pub, at the junction with Scale Lane.

New pedestrian crossings will be installed between Silver Street and Scale Lane, and in Market Place.

The council said these improvements had been delayed until the late summer of 2026, in order to prioritise repairs to Drypool Bridge, which began earlier this week.

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