CONTROVERSIAL plans to cut the speed limit and introduce traffic calming measures in Richmond could be given the go-ahead this week.

Members of Richmondshire Area Committee will discus a proposal to introduce a 20mph zone at a meeting tomorrow.

The plans include gateway signs, speed bumps and road narrowing marking the edge of the zone.

Also proposed are more pedestrian crossings, including a zebra crossing in Victoria Road, new parking bays in Quakers Lane and eight traffic calming speed tables.

A questionnaire sent out to residents directly affected by the proposals found that 70 per cent of those who replied were in favour of the lowered speed limit.

However, the plans have been criticised by others.

In some places, at the bottom of Bridge Street and in Reeth Road, the 20mph zone starts near the edge of the town.

North Yorkshire Police said in its response to the plans: "Extending the scheme so far out of the main central area may well lead to frustration by motorists using the main through routes, where there is no obvious reason as to why a 20mph speed limit is necessary.

"This could weaken the impact of the limit within the town centre where motorists would most likely accept the limit as being necessary."

Richmond Town Council has also raised concerns about the scheme.

Councillor Stuart Parsons said: "The 20mph speed limits are totally unenforceable and the number of speed bumps they are proposing is absolutely ridiculous.

"It seems as if they've got a big pot of money from the Government and they are coming up with anything and everything to spend it on.

"There is lots of other work they could do in Richmond with this money, like repairing the cobbles."

Concerns have also been raised by Richmond Business and Tourism Association and the town's civic society about the style of the stone and metal gateways.

County councillor and area committee member Carl Les said nothing had been decided yet and the issue would be fully debated at the meeting starting at 2pm tomorrow in Barton Village Hall. The public is welcome.