VILLAGES across Wharfedale could be among those to benefit from a massive cash injection into traffic safety schemes.

Bradford City Council aims to invest £350,00 a year for three years installing traffic calming measures in rural areas across the district, including road humps, traffic management and mini-roundabouts.

A report, listing nearly 50 villages earmarked for the scheme, was discussed on Tuesday at a meeting of the council's Executive Committee.

The report suggests two ways of assessing the need for traffic calming at local level.

Firstly, by taking into account the safety needs of people using the roads, such as the elderly, children and shoppers.

Secondly, the report suggests officers need to work out how major road schemes will impact on village thoroughfares.

Coun Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for environment, said: "We want to do what we can to minimise the effect on traffic in rural villages as well as residential areas.

"The suggested scheme takes into account the needs of local communities. It provides a way of prioritising the schemes suggested by members of the public and community groups."

Among the villages listed as having a need for traffic calming are Addingham, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Burley Woodhead and Menston.

District Councillor David Harrison, (Craven, Con), who lives in Addingham, said he would welcome cash for traffic calming measures - if they could curb speed.

He said: "The one thing that bothers us in Addingham is Main Street and the speed of the traffic.

"When it gets to the Main Street they just put the clog down and go as if they have been shot out of a catapult.

"The traffic coming into Main Street is self-regulating because of the parked cars.

"But I do worry a great deal about this bend by Cross End Fold. A crash hasn't happened yet but it probably will do at some point."

Coun Harrison added that traffic was also a problem on Bolton Road and Bark Lane.

He said speed cameras would act as a good deterrent.

Bruce Speed, chairman of Burley Community Council, said: "Residents are keen for action to be taken, overwhelmingly so far as I can see.

"The people of Burley Woodhead themselves have recently had a study into traffic speeds and traffic types. They employed a traffic consultant at their own cost.

"I would think it would go down well with the people in Woodhead."

Coun Hawkesworth said although this year's budget had been allocated, the Wharfedale villages could benefit next year.

"This is a new budget. I had it introduced this year. In the past traffic calming measures have been linked to residential areas.

"There is a need for a similar sort of budget but in a different way. Some of these villages are almost cut in two by roads," she added.