By John Baron
The speed limit will be reduced on a busy stretch of a Calverley road, after council highways chiefs signed off the plans.
The speed limit will be reduced from 40mph to 30mph on Carr Road between Calverley and Greengates, which carries around 18,000 vehicles daily. The road already features sections of 30mph and 40mph speed limits and it is hoped the changes will help improve safety.
A council report authorising the change said: “The existing mean speeds demonstrate that the majority of drivers already travel under the proposed 30mph speed limit. This indicates that the lower speed limit is likely to be comprehensible to drivers and it is likely that a reduction would be broadly adhered to.”
The move has been welcomed by local councillors.
Cllr Peter Carlill and Craig Timmins (both Labour and Co-operative, Calverley & Farsley) said in a statement: “We’re really happy to see this progressed. Following a request Cllr Carlill made some time ago, we’ve repeatedly pushed for the 40mph areas of Carr Road down to Greengates to be reduced to 30mph.
“As well as making this stretch of road safer, this will further slow down traffic before entering the village, where speeding concerns have been raised.
“It will also open the door for us to put in a further request for a pedestrian crossing in this area, which was previously not approved but is vitally important given the nearby bus stop is a key route to schools.
“Road safety is one of the most important issues people raised with us. There is also an informal crossing approved at Rodley Lane, near the Brookfields ,as well as speeding enforcement on several roads.
“We are also continuing to work on the issues of speeding and rat-running in nearby areas in the village, and will be meeting highways urgently to agree a way forward following the recent consultation.”
Councillor Andrew Carter (Conservative, Calverley & Farsley) added: “It would be a good thing if we are able to reduce the speed limit on Carr Road to 30mph.
“But it needs to extend right through along and including Rodley Lane, It is something myself and Amanda Carter and our late colleague Rod Wood have long asked.
“It has taken far too long. One needs to ask the question why? It is also essential that the road is properly signed so everyone is aware of the reduced speed limit. Hopefully, It will also lead to much-needed pedestrian crossings at both Carr Road and Rodley Lane near the children’s day nursery.”
A speed survey shows mean speeds of 28.3mph on Carr Road.
Carr Lane will continue to be monitored as part of the annual review of all injury collisions across Leeds.
The council report authorising the speed limit change can be read here. No date for the change has been given.
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Nobody ever seems to get above 25mph on that stretch anyway, so it shouldn’t make much difference.
Rat running is the massive problem that no one is prepared to take on.