DANGEROUS drivers speeding through village streets must put the brakes on before someone is killed, say villagers.

Bramhope residents told parish councillors of horrifying near misses on the quiet residential roads of the village because many motorists were turning a blind eye to speed limits.

One resident of King's Lane told how his wife had been badly shaken after almost being involved in a head-on smash. He believes fatalities are unavoidable unless action is taken to slow drivers down.

"The traffic gets faster and more ferocious. I get in contact with the police when I see people speeding, and the council say we're not an accident statistic area. On Monday my wife nearly became such a statistic," he said.

Several Bramhope residents went to the meeting hoping to tell Leeds City Council highways chief David Dews of their fears but he was unable to attend

The Wharfedale Observer recently revealed many residents were also concerned at the number of taxis cutting through Bramhope to Leeds Bradford Airport.

Councillors also brought along their own tales of dangerous driving. Councillor Colin Robertson said he had seen heavy trucks mounting the pavement on Old Lane.

Parish councillors said they would gather villagers' ideas on how to improve safety, and arrange a meeting to present them to the council.