THE advantage of introducing a 20mph speed limit near schools in Ripon would outweigh concerns raised by objectors to the plan, according to a highway chief.

Councillors have been recommended to approve the low speed zones in the Church Lane-Trinity Lane area of the city.

Mike Moore, the North Yorkshire County Council environmental services officer, said two school crossing patrols operated in the area. He said while warning signs had improved conditions, the new speed limit would enhance safety.

Mr Moore said traffic speeds are already in line with a 20mph limit and needed no physical traffic calming measures.

But the scheme has sparked objections after being advertised by the council.

While some residents in Church Lane are "delighted with the proposals" they objected to traffic calming schemes similar to those already operating in Clotherholme Road and Harrogate Road.

A report to councillors said the occupier of one house in Holyoake Terrace objected "most strongly" to siting a school crossing near the property on grounds of nuisance caused by parents and children and inability to park in front of his house.

The resident has also expressed concern about visibility at the junction of Church Lane and Blossomgate.

Council officers said the proposed junction table is not like those installed at Clotherholme Road or Harrogate Road.

Council highway chiefs said the scheme does not provide a new crossing but enhances the existing school crossing patrol by providing tactile paving.

They said in order to assist the objector it would be feasible to move the tactile paving as far away as possible from the house within confines of the existing gap created by the keep clear marking.

Asked for its views on the issue, Ripon City Council had no comments. North Yorkshire Police supported the project, providing amendments involving carriageway markings are incorporated.