PROPOSALS to introduce 20mph zones outside seven Bradford primary schools must not be a green light to expanding beyond those boundaries, a meeting heard last night.

Councillor Michael Johnson said amended plans to extend the proposed zones was "putting it on the back of something sensible".

Last March, councillors on Bradford South Area Committee approved plans to bring in the speed limit near the seven primary school sites - Brackenhill, Hollingwood, Home Farm, Knowleswood, St John's, Russell Hall and Low Moor.

But at last night's meeting, councillors discussed suggested amendments to the proposals, one of which was to make the Woodside estate a 20mph zone at a possible cost of up to £70,000.

Cllr Johnson (Lab, Tong) said: "This was a scheme for 20mph zones outside schools. These additions now expand it. We need a proper debate about it and we have not had that debate, whether we want our estates and residential areas to be that.

"I am concerned this is being put on the back of something quite sensible to reduce speeds outside schools. I think it is putting it on the back of what should be outside schools.

"The other thing is it is a lot of money. I am in favour of sticking to the original plan."

Cllr Angela Tait (Lab, Royds) said: "We have had lots of complaints from around Woodside about speeding.

"I agree that it should be just around the schools. I was driving through Saltaire where it is 20mph and you do think why in certain areas. It is hard to stick to 20mph."

Cllr Alan Wainwright (Lab, Tong) said: "It is somebody trying to jump on the back of something. It has not been thought out. This was for around schools.

"I would like to see the person who suggested it come here and try to convince me that it's the right thing."

Cllr David Warburton (Lab, Wyke) said he had seen a driver doing "70 to 75mph on Wyke Lane", adding: "We have had problems around schools in our area."

Councillors agreed to go with the original scheme but with an amendment from another suggestion which Andrew Smith, Bradford Council's principal traffic and highways engineer, said would be "fairly cost neutral".

That amendment, described as Phase One in the meeting documents, stated: "As per the approved scheme but with the inclusion of the residential area to the north of Common Road and removal of Abb Scott Lane."

Cllr Warburton said: "I would go with Phase One. But Phase Two needs a bigger debate around Bradford South and the district as a whole."