York's 20mph speed limit zones roll-out begins

New lower speed limits on residential streets are being imposed in parts of York.

The city council is spending about £500,000 on rolling-out 20mph (32km/h) limits, starting in west York.

It says the scheme will mean fewer accidents and promote "considerate" driving.

A public consultation earlier in the year of 13,000 residents in the area attracted 97 responses, with 87 of those opposed to the scheme.

The majority of the roads currently have a 30mph (48km/h) limit.

New speed limit signs are being installed in Acomb, Bishopthorpe, Copmanthorpe, Dringhouses, Foxwood, Holgate, Leeman Road, Poppleton and Woodthorpe over a two-month period up to Christmas.

Main roads are excluded from the scheme and no further traffic-calming measures such as speed humps are being installed.

The Labour-run council said work to roll-out the new speed limits to residential areas in the north and east of York would begin in 2014.