Enforcement is the key to 20mph zones being effective in making roads safer around schools and on residential streets, according to Bradford Council transport bosses.

Councillor Val Slater, executive member in charge of transport, said that while neighbouring Calderdale is investigating the introduction of the reduced speed limit in all residential areas, Bradford currently has no plans for the blanket zones. It will instead first evaluate Calderdale’s scheme once it is up and running.

It comes as road safety charity Brake and Allianz Insurance have today revealed public support for 20mph limits following a survey earlier this year. It shows that eight in ten people believe 20mph should be the norm around schools, on residential streets, and in village, town and city centres.

Coun Slater said: “20mph zones are something that we are looking at on a case-by-case basis. I recognise that especially around schools a reduction in the speed limit does save lives.

“However, the driving public don’t always accede to the speed limit in these zones.

“We could put blanket zones in, but they would not be effective unless we and the police have the resources to enforce them.”

There are a number of 20mph zones across the district, including a major traffic calming scheme in Shipley, which was introduced last year. The 20mph zones in Nab Wood, Moorhead and Avondale are part of the wider Saltaire Roundabout Improvement Plan.

Last month it was reported that a 20mph limit is being introduced on the Coppice Wood estate near Queensway Primary School in Yeadon, and that one of Harden’s main roads – Long Lane – will become a 20mph zone after a traffic survey.