Council proposes new 20mph zones on 88 streets

More than 80 streets in two city suburbs could become "low traffic" zones with 20mph speed limits.

Bradford Council has opened a consultation on the introduction of the measures in Manningham and Heaton.

The new Labour government has given councils its "full support" to enforce more low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs).

The consultation, which runs until 6 September, said the speed reductions would cut collisions, congestion and pollution.

In Heaton, local residents and business owners gave mixed views on the possibility of new restrictions.

Chan Patel, 58, manager of Heaton Motors on Oak Lane, said he saw people driving carelessly "every day" and supported the introduction of more LTNs.

"I think in the long run it's the best thing that's going to happen, because nowadays there are some lunatic drivers out there," he said.

"They are speeding on a 30mph zone doing 60mph. Overall for the pedestrians it will be much safer. I think it's a fantastic idea."

Mr Patel acknowledged that others would feel frustrated by having to drive at 20mph.

He said: "Obviously it will slow people down but at the end of the day you've got to think about the people's safety.

"The main thing is the safety of the pedestrians, the public and the people driving as well."

Others believed an LTN would increase rather than reduce congestion.

"I think there's already enough traffic as it is and I think it would cause a lot more congestion," said Aliyah Khan, 20, who works at Diamond Vapes, which is also on Oak Lane.

"Early in the morning when I come to work there's already a lot of traffic and it makes me very late."

Miss Khan said she had "not seen much speeding around here" but there is "always a lot of traffic".

The Conservative government had cooled their backing for LTNs and had concerns that communities felt they were being "imposed" on them.

But new transport secretary Louise Haigh stressed that decisions on their implementation should be made at a local level.

"Those kinds of decisions should absolutely be made by communities and not dictated to or stoked up by the centre," she told the Streets Ahead podcast.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "Introducing a 20mph zone enhances road safety by reducing vehicle speeds, which significantly decreases the likelihood and severity of accidents.

"Studies have shown that for each 1mph reduction in average speed, there is a 6% reduction in accident rates.

"This lower speed limit also promotes sustainability by encouraging walking and cycling, which helps reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion.

"Additionally, it discourages the use of residential streets as shortcuts to bypass main roads, improving the quality of life in local communities.

"Implementing a 20mph zone supports broader goals of creating safer, more sustainable, and more liveable urban environments."

A full list of the proposed 20mph zones can be seen on the council's website.

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