A PETITION for a speed limit to be reduced near a school has received more than 250 signatures.

The petition calls for an extension to the 30mph zone on Bradford Road, Bingley, from 40mph.

The stretch of the busy road goes past Beckfoot School in Wagon Lane and has received the backing of the school’s headteacher.

A group of year eight students - Lizzie Crossley, Beth Rae, Freddie Lincoln and Rowan Hogg - took part in a West Yorkshire Police Speedwatch scheme on Bradford Road. They checked the speed of traffic on the road and raised awareness of poor driving standards outside the school each day.

The students used a speed gun, with two drivers warned over speeding offences. Four drivers were stopped and advised on safety aspects.

The petition has been set up by Matt Edwards, of the Bingley Green Party.

There were 18 reported road accidents on this section of Bradford Road between 2005 and 2014, in figures compiled by Bingley Green Party.

Simon D’Vali, West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership chairman, said it has current proposals for a reduction to the speed limit outside Beckfoot School.

Mr Edwards said: “The issue of speeding and dangerous driving is one that was raised a lot when we spoke to people, especially in the roads around Myrtle Park.

“A lot of people who live near told us that 40mph is too fast on the stretch of road past Beckfoot School.

“Coming towards Bingley, drivers speed up after Cottingley Bridge and ignore the signs when the road reverts back to 30mph.

“On the other side of the road people speed up quickly as the road goes down the hill and go too fast near the school.”

David Horn, Beckfoot School headteacher, said: “Beckfoot School support any effort to calm the traffic within our community for the safety of our students, staff and all the local residents.

“Our students have recently been involved in speed awareness for traffic around the school site and we have campaigned successfully in the past for a pedestrian crossing on Bradford Road.

“Lower speeds in the school vicinity would benefit all the local community.”

Mr D’Vali said: “Whilst there are currently no mobile camera sites in Bingley, there have been a large number of casualty reduction schemes introduced in this ward over the past year.

“The current proposals include a reduction to the speed limit outside Beckfoot School and also a casualty reduction scheme outside Bingley Grammar School.”

Research from ROSPA shows pedestrian fatality rates reduce with speed.

A total of 95 per cent of people hit by cars which are travelling at 40mph are killed.

This figure is almost halved when the speed limit is reduced to 30mph.

It also found when cars are hit from the side in a collision at 40mph, the risk to the driver who is wearing a seatbelt being killed is 85 per cent.

To sign the petition, go to bit.ly/MakeBradfordRd30.

MORE TOP STORIES