Calderdale was last night set to be the first authority in West Yorkshire to approve a district-wide 20 mph zone for residential areas.

The cabinet was recommended to approve 20mph limits for the remainder of its residential roads – 30 per cent of which already have the lower limit.

The move will require £520,000 of local transport plan funding over three years to implement and £500,000 of public health funds for engagement and education. It follows public consultation which shows that 48 per cent of people were in favour of the scheme, while 36 per cent favoured the reduced speed outside schools only.

Myra James, for 20’s Plenty for Calderdale and Friends of the Earth, said: “Total 20mph is brilliant news. Fewer people will be injured and our streets will be better places to live and get around.”