A major new 20mph speed limit scheme is coming to Harrogate after North Yorkshire Council approved its largest project of this kind to date.
Speed limits will be reduced from 30mph to 20mph on 190 roads across the south and west of the town. The decision follows a community petition in June 2023 and a public consultation held in December.
Further roads could be included in a second phase of the project, which may also bring in traffic calming measures. This phase will be subject to additional consultation.
Councillor 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.”
He added that the scheme is based on detailed local data: “We have ensured that 20mph is appropriate for the nature of these roads. We continue to be clear that taking a blanket approach to 20mph limits is wrong given the vast and diverse nature of North Yorkshire.”
Hazel Peacock, from the Oatlands and Pannal Ash Road Safety and Active Travel Group, welcomed the move: “We are thrilled that North Yorkshire Council is to deliver this landmark 20mph scheme for Harrogate. This is testament to the community’s desire to improve road safety and create healthier and more pleasant environments.”
She thanked local schools, residents, and politicians who backed the campaign, along with council officers who developed the plan.
The scheme is part of wider work across the county. In February, the council began reviewing speed limits at more than 400 education sites. Lower speed limits have already been introduced or recommended at 22 locations, with a further 16 schemes currently under consultation.
The new limits in Harrogate are expected to be introduced in the coming months.
