Permanent 20mph measures for Bishopthorpe approved

A number of 20mph measures which have been trialled in Bishopthorpe over the past year will now be made permanent.

At a public meeting yesterday (16 September) the council's Executive Member for Transport agreed to a 20mph speed limit covering most of the village of Bishopthorpe being made permanent, and other areas of the city could follow after a number of requests were made by communities.

The council has been running a trial in Bishopthorpe since June 2024 after members of the community asked for parts of the village to be 20mph. Since these changes were introduced, the council has been collecting evidence and consulting with residents to understand how they feel the trial has gone.

This included carrying out six speed surveys within the proposed extended 20mph area prior to the experimental restriction coming into operation as well as further speed surveys with the 20mph measures in place. It showed that on the whole vehicles have slowed down when compared to before, but average speeds on three approach roads remained significantly above 20mph. Some people shared that there were examples of dangerous driving and tailgating those who were following the speed limit. 

As a result of this feedback it was also decided that additional funding will be provided so that further work and measures to reduce speeds on the approaches to the village can be carried out. 

Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport said: “Evidence from across the country shows that 20mph can save lives and safer roads can in turn encourage more active travel, which are key priorities in our local transport strategy.

“Throughout this process we have listened to residents every step of the way.  Initially we were asked by the people of Bishopthorpe to make a number of streets 20mph, which kickstarted this trial, and over the past 18 months have been gathering evidence and feedback from residents, with a number of responses saying that 20mph has made a positive difference.

“After assessing the evidence, the area of 20mph in Bishopthorpe will not initially include the three approach roads where compliance was poor. Officers will design speed reduction measures, such as road narrowing, to enable us to implement a comprehensive 20mph limit across the entire village. We are also working with the police to try and bring forward some enforcement in 20 and 30mph areas.

“We will continue to work with communities across the city as part of our commitment to make it safer and easier for people to get around the city and will be working with other areas who have requested 20mph."

The council has also received further requests for 20mph restrictions from Askham Richard, Copmanthorpe, Dunnington and Poppleton and will be working with these communities to explore these options.