BRADFORD Council has voted to move ahead with plans to introduce 20mph zones throughout the city centre, despite calls for them to be dropped.

Last month the Council revealed plans to add the new speed limit to most city centre streets, and around schools throughout the district.

At a meeting of the full Council on Tuesday, Councillor Debbie Davies put forward a motion saying the measure would be ineffective and that the proposals should be dropped.

The Council estimates that it will cost £120,000 to introduce the speed limits, and say they will help “protect vulnerable road users including children, pedestrians and cyclists.”

At the Council meeting Cllr Davies (Cons, Baildon) said: “We think such a measure will be ineffective and that the money is better spent elsewhere. While the majority of drivers are careful and considerate, there is a minority that are reckless and dangerous, and have no regard for their safety or the safety of others.

“These limits would reduce the speeds of the safe drivers, but would do nothing to stop the dangerous drivers, who won’t take notice of a sign.

“I think it would be much better if the Council shared these funds around the district.

“We should have more hard hitting road safety campaigns, especially in our schools. We need to change people’s behaviour, and that won’t be done by putting signs up.”

She pointed out that a planned 20mph scheme in Manchester had been rolled back, as speeds had not significantly reduced.

Councillor Alex Ross Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said some roads would be exempt, including Princes Way and Hall Ings.

He added: “The 20mph zones are not targeted solely at danger drivers. We know these attitudes exist, and that’s why we are working alongside police and Operation Steerside.

“It is important we do what we can to make our roads safer, and so the time is right for 20mph zones.”

Councillor Rebecca Poulson (Cons, Worth Valley) said: “Surely in the city centre it would be better to try enforcing the existing speed limits. Schools around the district should be the priority.

“There are a number of flashing signs that aren’t working and there is no funding to repair. If you think reducing the speed in a few city centre roads will make the wider district’s roads safer, then ignore out motion.”

Councillor Mike Pollard (Cons, Baildon) described the council’s plans as a “blunderbuss” approach that wouldn’t solve the problem of boy racers.

The Council then voted in favour of the Labour plan, and against Cllr Davies motion to scrap the scheme.