OTLEY town centre is set to become a 20mph zone in proposals to be brought forward by Leeds City Council.

The move is being welcomed as the "last piece in the jigsaw" by councillors who have fought for tight speed limits across the town for years.

Many residential areas already have 20mph zones and now the scheme is to be extended across most of the town centre.

Ward Councillors Colin Campbell, Ryk Downes and Sandy Lay said they were pleased that Leeds was finally bringing forward plans for a 20 mph zone in the centre of Otley.

“Over the years many residents have approached us to help reduce the speed of cars in the town,” said Cllr Campbell.

“We have managed to introduce 20 mph zones in Otley’s residential areas but a scheme for the town centre has proved difficult. We are glad to say that after long discussions Leeds have finally agreed to put the last part of Otley’s 20 mph jigsaw in place.”

“20 mph zones are popular with residents,” says Cllr Downes. “They help reduce traffic speed which in turn reduces injury risk in accidents and also reduces pollution. Extending the Otley Scheme to include most of the town centre will make the area much more attractive”

Cllr Lay added: “From the residents we have spoken too it is clear that the majority would like to reduce the speed of traffic in the town, but we know some people do not. We want to make sure everyone has a say so we are asking residents to get in touch and let us know what they think.”

Cllr Richard Hughes from Otley Town Council said: “ Reducing speeding traffic contributes to Street Vision the Town Council’s proposals to make Otley more pedestrian friendly town. Further public consultation on this will soon take place and we hope everyone will take the opportunity to say what they want for Otley.”

The first local 20mph zones were introduced on streets south of the river in 2014, and the Prince Henry’s area followed.

A scheme for Ashfield, which would have completed the coverage, was delayed after originally being pencilled in for summer 2018.

Work on that scheme finally began in 2019, meaning all the residential streets were covered.