THE dangerous bends at Manor Park are to get speed cameras in another bid to reduce accidents in the area.

The Government has agreed to fund 21 new speed cameras in Bradford as part of a campaign to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads.

The four new cameras at Manor Park will be up and running by next April.

An Ilkley District Councillor Colin Powell (Con) and Manor Park bends resident said he hoped the cameras would be sited at the correct place, otherwise their installation could be pointless.

Coun Colin Powell said that since the 40mph speed limit was introduced about a year ago, drivers had been adhering to it when they came through the bends.

He said that the highest risk of speeding occurred when traffic left the bends and travelled on the half-mile straight stretch of road leading into Ilkley.

Coun Powell said: "I use the road several times a day and people are generally abiding the 40mph limit. They don't seem to speed. They tend to speed approaching the bridge in Ilkley on the long stretch to the new traffic lights.

"It depends on where they put the speed cameras whether they will catch anyone."

As far as the effect of the 40mph limit has had, Coun Powell said: "Residents will still say they want a bypass but it has slowed down traffic. I think they are generally observing the speed limit on the actual bends.

"I am not opposed to speed cameras as such I am opposed to having too many on certain stretches of road - I don't oppose the idea but I don't think the speed limit is abused so much at Manor Park. People must abide by it or take the consequences."

But another resident of Manor Park, health and safety consultant John Traynier said that traffic using the bends still went too fast and that the speed cameras would catch a lot of motorists and motorcycle riders out.

Mr Traynier said: "I think they will get a lot and it will be a money spinner. I suppose it will make a difference if they nick a few. You get motorbikes on a Sunday doing 70 or 80mph and it will make a difference if the word goes around."

Mr Traynier said the most successful speed reduction scheme at Manor Park bends was an unintended consequence of the new traffic improvements in Ilkley.

He said that the traffic lights at the junction of Wheatley Lane and Coutances Way sometimes resulted in jams which stretched all the way back to Manor Park.

Steve Thornton, chairman of the West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership, said the Government's approval for its latest round of fixed camera sites was 'official support at the highest level'.

He said that the Government's endorsement was great news and he gave credit to local people's growing support for speed cameras.

Seven of the 21 roads across the Bradford district have been identified as sites for the cameras because of their number of people hurt. The roads in question have claimed 35 deaths and serious injuries over the past three years.