OTLEY'S final 20mph scheme has taken another step closer to being implemented.

The Ashfield area is one of 14 that Leeds City Council has now agreed, for a combined cost of £300,000, to turn into a 20mph zone during the 2017-18 financial year.

The decision by the Chief Officer for Highways and Transportation means that signs for the lower speed limit should, subject to public consultation, start going up within the next 12 months.

A 20mph scheme for most of Pool-in-Wharfedale is also on the list of approved zones.

In Otley the introduction of the 20mph limit began south of the river in 2014 and then spread to include the Prince Henry area, leaving only Ashfield left to do.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "I am delighted with this.

"When I first started the campaign to improve road safety by turning Otley's residential streets into 20mph zones I had expected it to take twenty years.

"But residents have shown strong support for the proposals and it looks like we will be turning Otley into a 20mph Town in half the time.

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped with this latest phase not least the local residents who have supported our efforts."

Councillor Sandy Lay (Otley & Yeadon) said: "The Ashfield area of Otley was the last piece in the 20mph jigsaw and is a welcome addition to road safety, especially around Ashfield Primary School."

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) added: "We believe 20mph zones make a significant contribution to road safety and we will now be working to extend these to the residential streets in Yeadon."

A recent survey of residents conducted by ward and Otley Town Councillors found more than 80 per cent in favour of 20mph zones, which have been supported by successive town councils.