A group of residents have raised concerns over the 20mph scheme implemented around Ilkley.
In the letter they argue it doesn't comply with Department of Transport (DfT) Regulations throughout and question whether Ilkley Town Council should now pay the agreed £75k+ to Bradford Council, who have issued a completion certificate.
The 20mph scheme is on the Ilkley Town Council agenda for Monday's full council meeting, which is being held at the Masonic Hall on Cunliffe Rd from 7.30pm. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting as observers.
In an open letter Peter Barron, Paul Birch and James Gillespie write:
The desirability, design, cost and functionality of the 20 mph zone in Ilkley have occupied us for nearly 6 years. The process has highlighted deficiencies in the professionalism of our council officers and the acumen of our politicians.
As agreed in the contact between Bradford and Ilkley Town Council (ITC) Bradford have now submitted a Completion Certificate and an invoice for £76,914.
However, we have argued that the Traffic Calming Features (TCFs) do not comply with Department of Transport (DfT) Regulations throughout the whole zone. Indeed, in October 2025, Bradford Highways conceded this, noting that approximately 65% of the zone does not meet DfT regulations. But, in their opinion, the scheme is complete.
Also, from recent Freedom of Information Requests (FOIRs), it seems likely that there are sections of roads, post installation with TCFs, where speeds are in excess of 24 mph. Further FOIRs reveal that West Yorkshire Police (WYP) are unlikely to support the 20 mph zone if it does not conform to DfT Regulations and if average speeds were greater than 24 mph.
So, the 20 mph scheme, is not complete, not functioning and may not be acceptable to WYP.
There will be an ITC Meeting on the 12th January in the Masonic Hall, Cunliffe Rd, Ilkley at 7-30 pm. The completion, enforcement and payment for the 20 mph zone are on the agenda.
Should ITC pay for something that isn’t finished and isn’t working?
We expect our councillors to carry out due diligence, understand evidence put before them and reach the appropriate conclusions. This is probably one of the largest costs ITC will authorise for payment. If the 20 mph scheme is not complete and not working, they should acknowledge this and not pay until it is.
So, will ITC examine the evidence before them? Some councillors don’t appear to be interested in doing due diligence. Too often they just ignore unwelcome information, avoid doing any background work and shy from taking difficult decisions. Their approach is to say ‘simply move on’. If the decision to pay the invoice is put to a vote on the 12th January without proper scrutiny and debate, this will not serve the best interests of the town and democracy will once again be seen to be subverted. As it will also be if the vote is passed, as it has been previously, by the casting vote of the mayor.
This goes beyond arguments about a 20 mph zone. It touches the heart and nature of local government and democracy. We expect our politicians to listen to the people who voted for them. Perhaps we are all exhausted by the 20 mph saga. But, if the people of Ilkley are failed again at the final hurdle by being forced to accept something that is incomplete and non-functional we cannot and must not remain silent.
The people of Ilkley’s views deserve to be heard. If not, then its perhaps time to consider other courses of action. The final option may have to be another Town Meeting and a Town Poll, this time to express a vote of no confidence in the current ITC.
What are the views of the people of Ilkley?
If you feel that local democracy needs to be done and seen to be done, attend the ITC meeting or send us your views at ilkley.feedback@mail.co.uk and make your voice heard.
P Barron, P Birch and J Gillespie
A Bradford Council spokesperson said:
“We acknowledge the comments and concerns outlined in the letter. We have liaised with the police throughout the scheme which has been designed and delivered in line with the approved project brief, scope, and budget, with the primary objective of reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety and are confident it meets DfT guidance. Our aim is to make travel, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists, safer, more accessible, and more appealing.
“To achieve this, physical measures have been introduced on roads where higher speeds were recorded. In other areas, clear signage and road markings have been installed at appropriate intervals to ensure the scheme is easily understood and effective for all road users.
“We continue to work closely with our police partners and will address any enforcement matters through established procedures. In addition, we will monitor the scheme’s performance and take further action to make improvements where necessary.”
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