Harrogate Set for North Yorkshire’s Largest 20mph Rollout

North Yorkshire Council is implementing plans to lower speed limits from 30mph to 20mph in parts of Harrogate

A 20mph speed limit reduction scheme, touted as North Yorkshire's largest such scheme ever, has been approved for parts of Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Council is enacting plans to lower speed limits from 30mph to 20mph in the south and west of Harrogate, which decision follows a petition, presented to the council in June 2023, and a public consultation, held in December of 2024.

One hundred and ninety roads in total will see speed limits reduced to 20mph, in the first phase of the project.

And traffic calming measures could be introduced to lower speeds on additional roads in the area under a second phase of the project, though this is subject to further consultation.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, councillor Keane Duncan, said: "We continue to be clear that taking a blanket approach to 20mph limits is wrong given the vast and diverse nature of North Yorkshire.

"We will always recognise the unique nature of different locations and continue to work with our communities to deliver positive improvements."

Hazel Peacock, of the Oatlands and Pannal Ash Road Safety and Active Travel Group, said: "We are thrilled that North Yorkshire Council is to deliver this landmark 20mph scheme for Harrogate."

The new scheme comes after North Yorkshire Council announced in February that speed limits outside every school - or "more than 400 education sites" - across the county are being reviewed.

The authority has adopted a presumption in favour of lowering speed limits in these locations.