Drivers look set to face 20mph zones in residential areas across Calderdale.

Motorists could soon be facing tougher speed restrictions, if Calderdale Council’s Cabinet approve plans for the introduction of 20mph limits across the borough.

They may be brought in outside every school or on a more widespread project through built-up areas.

The move follows discussions in the summer between the council and the Community Safety Partnership and local people.

Feedback from the event, and from local Ward Forums, showed that there is a concern that more should be done to reduce the speed of vehicles across Calderdale.

Next Monday, Cabinet members will discuss the merits of three different options, which will then be the subject of consultation with stakeholders and local communities.

The preferred option for Cabinet is to make 20mph the default speed limit in built-up areas throughout the borough, with signage directing where other speeds are applied.

This broad approach has already been agreed in London and Birmingham, and many other towns and cities nationwide are also backing area-based 20mph restrictions.

In addition, Secretary of State for Transport Norman Baker supports more 20mph zones, as does Shadow Transport Minister Maria Eagle.

The limits could be in force in every area within four years.

However, the proposed consultation would also cover two alternative options – to continue with the current programme of two local 20mph schemes a year, or to simply introduce 20mph limits outside all schools.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment, Clr Barry Collins, said: “There is a clear demand for immediate action to reduce traffic speeds across Calderdale.

“The issue is frequently raised at Ward Forums, and it’s important that we do everything we can to address the community’s concerns.

“In our view, the priority should be to create a consistent message throughout Calderdale. In doing so, we could save both time and money, compared with the current staggered approach.”

Tory councillors in Calderdale are pushing for 20mph zones outside all schools.

The Conservative opposition on Calderdale Council has sent out 15,000 questionnaires across the district.

They are asking residents about improvements to road safety.

Brighouse Tory Clr Scott Benton said he believed Calderdale Council could do more but it was important local people were consulted first.

“The biggest topic in my mailbag is speeding and parking, not always outside schools but disproportionately so,” he said.

“For the three years I have been a councillor we have not seen the council take any positive action with regards speeding outside schools.”