A teenager’s tragic death has sparked a new road safety campaign.

Kate Whalley, 18, lost her life after being hit by a car on the A660 Leeds Road, close to its junction with Old Pool Bank, near Pool-in-Wharfedale, on June 22.

She had been returning to her home on Cragg View, at Old Pool Bank, after completing her penultimate A Level exam at Harrogate Grammar School.

Now Old Pool Bank Safety Group, formed by residents of the hamlet in response to the tragedy, is determined to make the stretch of road safer in Kate’s memory.

Signs of progress were seen last week when Leeds City Council installed a Vehicle Activated Sign and advisory 30mph notice near the Bar House Bends.

A group spokeswoman said: “Kate’s horrible death shook our community but it has brought us closer together and we are determined, through sheer people power, to keep piling the pressure on those who have the ability to make the road safety changes we so desperately need.”

The group wants to see the entire stretch of road - which has several hidden junctions - turned into a 30mph zone with speed cameras.

It has been lobbying ward councillors and receiving help from Pool Parish councillors and MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West).

Members have also contacted road safety charity BRAKE, the West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership, and the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire, Dee Collins - to ask for improved enforcement. A year before her death Kate’s father, Michael, had warned council and police representatives of the dangers at a community meeting.

The 54-year-old, who is backing the campaign, said: “After our daughter’s death, and from comments made in a council meeting prior to Kate being killed - that speed cameras would only be considered after a fatality - I find it hard to comprehend we are still in a situation where we are having to argue our case for traffic-calming measures.

“It is only a matter of time before another pedestrian or cyclist could receive the same fate as our daughter.”

The city council is carrying out a series of speed-monitoring and traffic volume surveys along the A660, near the Bar house Bends, before making any decision on the speed limits. Anyone interested in joining the group can email campaign@oldpoolbankroadsafety.com, or call 07913 977665 .