Villagers: Cut speed limit more

5:00pm Wednesday 12th September 2007

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OBJECTORS are angry that the speed limit on a rural Ryedale road is set to be slashed from 60mph to 30mph - because they say that is still too fast.

Residents have long campaigned for better safety measures on the road linking Langton Road and Welham Road, south of Norton.

The route, known as Bazeley's Lane and Whitewall, is narrow, with a few passing places. It is regularly used by racehorses from nearby stables and dog walkers.

Despite that, it is subject to the national speed limit of 60mph for cars on single carriageways.

Initial proposals to sever the link - effectively creating two unconnected cul de sacs - fell through because of cost and space constraints.

But when North Yorkshire County Council chiefs suggested cutting the limit to 30mph, they received three objections, saying it would still be too fast.

Local councillor Howard Keal said: "I regularly use the lane when running, which usually means leaping on to the verge at intervals to avoid passing traffic. It is also heavily used by racehorses, and in my view would preferably be made a no-through road to motorised traffic.

"If it is only to be subject to a speed limit, I have to say 30mph is far too high. Anyone going at that speed on what is a narrow, twisting lane, with poor visibility, would be putting themselves at risk, as well as pedestrians, runners and horses - that is exactly the problem.

"The limit ideally should be 20mph. And 10mph or 15mph with a warning about racehorses would be better."

Norton Town Council also objected. Ros Tierney, town clerk, said: "Members object to (the 30mph limit) on the grounds that this road is unsuitable for motor vehicles, being a single lane with blind bends.

"If it is to be kept open, then a 20mph speed limit would be more appropriate. Signage indicating the road is unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles and warning signs for horses should also be included."

Local resident Laurence Armstrong said: "Even if the speed limit was 10mph it would not cure the problem."

But Gordon Gresty, director of business and environmental services at the council, said: "Due to its rural character, a 20mph speed limit on Bazeley's Lane and Whitewall would not be appropriate and may create en enforcement problem for the police.

"It is likely that traffic calming would be required in order to get vehicle speeds down to around 20mph."

He said more horse warning signs could be put up on the road.

The matter will be discussed at a council meeting in Hovingham today - with the objectors set to be overruled.