Speed limit to be increased at Ilkley fatal crash site

The speed limit on a stretch of rural road is set to be increased, despite it having previously being lowered due to a fatal crash in the area.

Bradford Council has proposed changing the limit on Moor Road in Ilkley to 40mph (64 km/h), between Hangingstone Road and Burley Woodhead.

A number of changes had previously been made to the section of the road in 2023, such as reducing the speed limit from 50mph (80 km/h) to 30mph (48 km/h), following the death of a 25-year-old driver there, a council spokesperson said.

The decision to increase the speed limit had “not been taken lightly”, but the stretch of road had been deemed “unsuitable” for such a low limit, they added.

According to the authority, Moor Road had undergone several changes following a spate of incidents, and those changes were then subject to a period of monitoring.

In conjunction with West Yorkshire Police, the council’s road safety team had subsequenlty found the 30mph speed limit had led to some drivers making “unsafe overtaking manoeuvres” in the area.

As a result, it had been decided to increase the limit to 40mph, but warning signs, lining and hazard marker posts would all remain in place.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We know this may seem like an unusual step to take, but can assure everyone it is being done with advice from the police and experienced highways engineers.

“We remain committed to ensuring speed limits are safe, consistent, and appropriate for all road users.

“The new 40mph will still be 10mph lower than it was originally.

“While this change will result in varying speed limits along the route, it reflects a balanced approach based on evidence, national policy, and professional judgement.”