Renewed calls for 20mph speed limit in Embsay and Eastby villages
Councillor pushes for reduced speed limits near Skipton
Community leaders are once again calling for a reduction in the speed limit through two villages in North Yorkshire, aiming to enhance road safety for local residents.
Councillor David Noland, in collaboration with Embsay with Eastby Parish Council, is advocating for the speed limit on local roads to be decreased from 30mph to 20mph.
The Green Party councillor highlighted that the parish council near Skipton had initially requested this change three years ago without receiving a response.
Councillor Noland also noted that other communities within the Craven area, such as residents on The Bailey in Skipton, are waiting for road safety improvements.
In 2023, a boy crossing the road on his way to school was injured, sparking increased concerns over pedestrian safety.
"Most councillors are past parenting age and many have never walked their children to school – they have no idea what a perilous journey it can be," Councillor Noland said.
"Parents need to know their children will be safe walking to school. What’s a higher priority than keeping our children safe?"
Highlighting the importance of basic infrastructure, Councillor Noland expressed that new housing developments must include safe pathways for walking to shops and schools to prevent putting children and communities at risk, adding further congestion to busy roads.
To bolster his campaign, Councillor Noland has sought assistance from Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith to persuade the council to take action.
In response, Karl Battersby, North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director for environment, acknowledged the council's commitment to road safety and listening to community concerns.
"While we aim to respond positively, decisions must be based on a range of factors, including safety evidence, road characteristics and national guidance," Battersby said.
He noted that over the past 18 months, the council has initiated 25 new 20mph areas across North Yorkshire, including their largest project in west Harrogate.
Battersby revealed that work on the proposal for 20mph speed limits in Embsay and Eastby is in progress, with a report expected to be considered at an executive meeting in July.
Despite calls for a broader area scheme, the rural nature of connecting roads and low average speeds means this is not currently supported.
Further safety measures are being evaluated for The Bailey, where a pedestrian crossing has been requested following improvements, including pedestrian refuge islands.
Mr Battersby emphasized the authority's ongoing efforts to fill vacancies within the highways team to maintain effective responses to community needs.