Speed limits of 20mph are set to be introduced in parts of Rawdon in a bid to protect children.

The area around Town Street, Layton Lane and Carr Lane down to the A65 is expected to be subject to the new speed restrictions.

Horsforth Councillors Brian Cleasby and Chris Townsley, who have campaigned for tighter limits in the areas around schools in Horsforth and Rawdon, said they were delighted that a large residential area of Rawdon was to become a 20mph zone.

Coun Cleasby said: “Over the years lots of residents have contacted me about the worries they have about cars driving too quickly around residential areas in Rawdon.”

Coun Townsley said: “I’m continuing to campaign to reduce speed limits in Horsforth on several roads near our schools.”

A report to Leeds City Council early this year said: “Two-thirds of all child pedestrian accidents occur in residential areas, partly due to drivers not slowing down once they have left the main road.

“Research on the effectiveness of 20mph schemes has shown that casualties can fall by up to 70 per cent where they have been introduced. If a vehicle hit a child at 20mph, the child has a 95 per cent chance of survival.

“Hit at 30mph, they have an 80 per cent chance of survival. At 40mph, the chance of survival is nearly nought per cent.

“In light of the above, several areas in Leeds have been selected for the introduction of 20mph schemes, and where necessary, traffic calming features.

“Rawdon is one of the areas that has been chosen due to its high number of injury accidents and high average vehicular speeds.”

Traffic calming measures are planned for the road near Rawdon St Peter’s primary school and along roads with a high record of accident levels or high speeds.

A mini roundabout is proposed at the Town Street-Layton Road-Layton Lane junction.