CITY centre streets will become 20mph zones after a new road safety policy was approved by Council bosses.

And one Councillor said the plans would help with the city centre's transformation, making it a much safer place for people to visit.

Bradford Council revealed plans to reduce speed limits in the city centre last year, and yesterday the plans were approved by the decision making executive.

As well as most roads in the city centre, excluding main routes like Manchester Road, Leeds Road and Hall Ings, 20mph zones will also be introduced on Park Lane and Farnham Road, both of which are areas that include primary schools and community centres.

The scheme is predicted to cost around £120,000.

The proposals went out to consultation last year, but received few replies.

Andrew Smith, principal highway engineer told members of the Executive: "We haven't received a huge amount of feedback on this, we're taking that as a positive.

"Some of the responses have asked us to expand these 20 mph areas, but unfortunately we can't do that on the budgets we have."

Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: "This is something we would really welcome. Speeding on our roads is something that has been discussed by this Council for a long time."

Councillor Alex Ross Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and highways, said: "This is a really good step forward for the city centre and it supports our regeneration agenda.

"Think about what's going to be opening in the next few years. You have New College which will bring in hundreds of sixth form students to the city, Bradford Live, the Rugby League Museum, St George's Hall re-opening. We will have a lot more visitors into the city centre and it will feel a very different place. With these changes it will be a much safer environment for people. It will help make the city centre a better place to visit, live and work."

Councillor Imran Khan, portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, welcomed the fact that roads around Bradford College and the University of Bradford wold be included in the scheme.