NEW speed restrictions in an area of concern for road accidents will only work if they are enforced, says a Wharfedale Councillor.

Coun Graham Kirkland (Lib-Dem, Otley and Wharfedale) has recommended a number of measures to clamp down on speeding motorists and improve safety on the A658 close to Old Lane and Carlton Crossroads, which have been welcomed by the Chairman of Bramhope Parish Council.

Leeds City Council's Highways and Transportation Sub-Committee has agreed to pursue the making of a 50mph speed limit on the A658 Harrogate Road from the existing 30mph limit north of the Leeds-Bradford Airport tunnel.

This would extend to the existing 30mph limit on Pool Bank New Road, covering the full extent of the present derestricted length.

In addition, it is proposed to introduce a 30mph speed limit on Old Lane at Bramhope from its junction with the A658 Harrogate Road to the existing 30mph limit near to the village.

But Coun Kirkland said: "A new speed limit is a good idea but it will only work if it is enforced. If the limit is flagrantly violated, as at present, then a limit will do no more than keep the committee happy."

In addition to the speed restrictions that are being proposed, Coun Kirkland has also suggested the following:

l A lower limit across the A660/A658 junction at the Dyneley Arms.

l Lighting the whole stretch of both roads.

l Placing a roundabout at Carlton Crossroads.

l Enforcing a new speed limit by the use of digital speed cameras.

Coun Kirkland said: "Nothing is better than the certainty of being caught. Motorists behave really well when they know they are on camera."

Coun Kirkland is to submit a report to the sub-committee meeting in January of next year on the proposals.

Councillor John Mordy, chairman of Bramhope Parish Council said: "I totally agree. I think the only thing is we do wish is that the Highway's Department would talk to parish councils as well as city councillors. Having said that, I would be delighted with this."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.