PLANS to introduce 20mph zones around a number of Bradford schools would "create a safer place" for pupils, according to health bosses.

Bradford Council has this week begun consultation on plans to reduce the speed limit around a number of schools to 20mph.

The new limits were approved by the Council's Executive in January and would see the new limits introduced on a significant number of streets around Farnham Primary in Lidget Green and St Joseph’s Primary Schools between Manchester Road and Little Horton Lane. These areas also include 1,500 homes as well as community and children’s centres and most of the streets around St Luke’s Hospital.

There will be a number of consultations with residents, schools and businesses in the coming weeks.

Consultation on 20mph plans for Bradford city centre begins

Dr Anne Connolly, GP and Clinical Board Lead for Children and Young People, Bradford City CCG, said: “As one of the youngest cities, creating a safe environment for our children is important.

"Traffic travelling at 30mph is too fast for many children’s visual abilities and many children are seriously injured if hit by a vehicle travelling at 30mph. The introduction of 20mph zones around some schools in the district means that we can create a safer place for our children to live and learn."

Sarah Muckle, Director of Public Health in Bradford, said: “All people have a right to safe roads. Introducing 20mph zones has the potential to bring about a range of health and wellbeing benefits for people in Bradford, particularly children. 20mph zones have not only been shown to save lives, but also have a positive impact on people’s physical and mental health.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “There is real evidence that even relatively small reductions in speed can decrease the rate and severity of collisions, and that 20mph zones are very effective at protecting our most vulnerable road users, including children, pedestrians and cyclists.”

People have until March 7 to comment on the plans. For more information visit bradford.gov.uk/consultations.