OTLEY is to get its final 20mph zone within the year.

The first phase of the town-wide scheme began in 2014 when the lower limit was introduced on residential roads south of the river.

In 2015 the project spread to include the Prince Henry area - and councillors have been pushing ever since to extend it to the Ashfield ward to 'complete the jigsaw'.

Leeds City Council has now confirmed it will implement the Ashfield zone during the next financial year.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "Introducing 20mph zones to cover all residential streets has been a goal of mine since 2006, so I am glad the final piece of the Otley jigsaw is soon to be put in place.

"These zones reduce traffic speeds and accidents and, having personally visited nearly half the houses in Ashfield to ask residents for their views, I know they are popular.

"I will be pushing for this to be in place as soon as possible."

Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "We know residents worry about enforcement but that shouldn't detract from the positives that 20mph schemes bring to communities.

"They include improved air quality, health and well-being and better fuel consumption.

"We also have evidence that zones reduce both the number of, and the effects of, road traffic collisions.

"They 'send a message' that communities want speeds lower and slower and that in residential areas drivers must learn to share the streets with pedestrians and cyclists.

"There will always be those who don't think the rules apply to them and for those we will continue to lobby the police to provide enforcement."

Otley Town Council has been backing the lower speed limit push for years and included a £3,500 commitment towards the Ashfield work in its most recent budget.

Chairman Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "I'm delighted the Liberal Democrats' campaign to compete the 20mph zone north of the river has been successful and the work is going to happen.

"It's good news for improved road safety outside Ashfield Primary School and, more widely, for the residential streets as it will slow traffic, reduce pollution and improve safety.

"Some residents will understandably point out that effective enforcement remains an issue but, frankly, we have to start somewhere and most people understand that '20s Plenty' in a built up area."

Meagill Rise esident Gareth Dibble, who organised an online petition in support of the move, said: "The campaign for the 20mph zones to be introduced to Ashfield has met with mixed reactions from the community but I think that it can only be a good thing.

"Yes, it may not stop every single speeding driver, but if it makes one person think and slow down then it could be an accident avoided."

Councillor Peter Jackson (Lib Dem, Ashfield) added: "This is very good news for road safety outside Ashfield Primary, which was always a problem reported to me by parents, residents and staff."

The scheme - previously estimated at £35,000 - will include putting up 20mph signs and installing some speed tables in the Weston Estate.