Rat - runs

This has been a significant problem in side streets bordering the major radial routes through Kirkstall Ward. Speeding commuters on residential streets cause particular danger to children and elderly citizens, and reduce the quality of life for everybody who lives there. In three cases we have had some partial success at dealing with this issue, although it would be silly to pretend that the problem is completely solved. Subject to a proper evaluation, and public consultation, we would like to do more.

Argies and Burley Woods

An inbound queue forms during the morning peak on Kirkstall Road, causing some commuters to divert along various convoluted routes through the Burley Wood area, rejoining the main queue near the Cardigan Fields leisure development. After extensive public consultation and debate, we introduced a 20 mph zone through much of the Burley Wood area, which has been partially effective although some motorists disregard the speed limits and it has not completely stopped the rat running. A limited period "No Entry" sign may be a better option, as was used at Queenswood Road (below). We are pursuing this issue.

Hawksworth Wood estate

There is a significant problem with commuters travelling in both directions between Horsforth and Leeds city centre. Some drivers rat-run along Lea Farm Road, which is very narrow and unsuitable for through traffic. This is difficult to prevent without causing major inconvenience to the people who live nearby, but we are pressing for a 20 mph speed limit for the whole of the estate, which will improve road safety and may be sufficient to deter through traffic.

Heskeths and Vicarages

A queue forms during the morning peak on Morris Lane, causing some commuters to divert along a circuitous route through the Heskeths and Vicarages, rejoining the main queue shortly before the Morris Lane traffic signals. After extensive public consulation, we negotiated a "No Entry" sign at the bottom of Hesketh Mount. This appears to be working, but we will continue to monitor the situation.

Work in progress at Hesketh Mount. It took a long time for highways to finish this job.

Moor Grange View

A morning peak hour queue develops along Spen Lane between the outer ring road and the mini-roundabout at the top of Butcher Hill. Some drivers divert along Moor Grange View and Butcher Hill, entering the mini-roundabout with greater priority than vehicles which remain in an orderly queue on Spen Lane. This could be prevented using a peak hour "No Entry" sign, as we used at Queenswood Road (below). The question is whether the environmental gain on Moor Grange View merits the inconvenience caused to other legitimate road users.

Queenswood Road

A queue forms during the morning peak on Queenswood Drive, and some motorists attempt to bypass part of this queue by driving at speed along the relatively narrow Queenswood Road, rejoining the main queue about 200 metres closer to the city centre. After considerable public consultation, we negotiated a time-limited "No Entry" sign at the northern end of Queenswood Road, that only operates during the morning peak, thereby causing minimal inconvenience to local residents at other times of day. We are monitoring the long-term effectiveness of this measure.

Last updated 29 November 2008 at 19:58. Back to the top