CAMPAIGNERS fighting speeding traffic in Guiseley are launching a number of go slow initiatives.

Fed up residents are to be given the chance of using an anti-speeding radar gun, signs are to be improved and children shown the dangers of speeding.

With the help of Guiseley packaging business PPS, Guiseley Against Speeding (GAS) is in the process of handing out 1,000 stickers.

In a bid to tackle speeding motorists on Thorpe Lane, Hawksworth Lane and Bradford Road, GAS is also working with Paul Truswell MP and Leeds City Council highways officers.

In just a few days of their launch, the stickers, which are intended for wheelie bins and cars, have proved an immediate success.

David Beckwith, of GAS, said: "I've been very impressed, I've stuck about 15 or 20 stickers on wheelie bins so far and its surprising how many have actually slowed."

Mr Beckwith, who lives on Thorpe Lane, which has a 30mph speed limit, was due to have a meeting yesterday with residents and is working with Tranmere Park School on a safety project.

Last week Mr Beckwith met up with Paul Truswell MP and officers from Leeds City Council's highways department on Thorpe Lane to discuss ways of slowing traffic down in the area.

"The meeting with Paul Truswell and highways was very productive, a traffic speed survey was done in February and they have recognised there is a speed problem. The highest recorded speed was 61 mph and the mean speed was 38mph."

The campaign is centred around Thorpe Lane, but also takes in Hawksworth Lane, Bradford Road, Otley Road and Netherfield Road.

Mr Beckwith added once the High Royds site was developed there would be even more traffic.

"When High Royds is developed Thorpe Lane will be a major rat run, that will put an awful lot more cars on the roads."

Simon Bell, of Professional Packaging Services (PPS) in Hawksworth Lane, who paid for the costs of the stickers, said there was a definite problem with speeding traffic in the area.

"We like to support good causes and this is a good cause," he said.

A spokesman for Leeds City Council said: "We are currently working closely with local residents to raise awareness of road safety practices in Tranmere Park area of Guiseley.

"We are very impressed with the innovative ideas coming from members of the local community, who are obviously very concerned about the road safety issues in the area, and we hope we can support them with their plans.

"One way we can support the residents is by supplying them with a hand held radar gun, which will help raise awareness throughout the wider community to the dangers of speeding. We will also help by improving the road signs and markings along Thorpe Lane to highlight these dangers to drivers.

"A member of Leeds City Council's Road Safety Unit will be working closely with Tranmere Park School, after Easter, as part of their Health Week to advise pupils and parents on road safety issues and offer practical guidance.

"Pupils will be involved in carrying out traffic counts and surveys to help raise awareness of wider traffic issues.

"We hope that by involving local residents, we can assist them in finding solutions which are the best for their community."

l Anyone who would like to get involved in the GAS campaign should contact David Beckwith on (07932) 737705.