SPEED restrictions limiting drivers to just 20mph are now in force in Honley.

And similar limits are likely to be in force in Meltham by the end of the month.

Both areas have implemented the new limits to become the first Kirklees 20mph zones.

The work to turn Honley village into a 20mph zone, which began earlier this month, has been completed.

And further restrictions to stop parked vehicles choking village streets around the main shopping area will come into force on May 3.

Meanwhile work to turn Meltham village into a 20mph village, which began in March, is well under way and expected to be completed by the middle of this month.

Kirklees Highways officials say the new 20mph zones are compulsory, not optional.

But police insist they should be “self-enforcing” and backed up by traffic-calming measures such as road humps.

Honley village had previously been plagued by traffic jams aggravated by its narrow streets and limited off-street parking with irresponsible motorists’ parking making some roads virtually impassable.

Businesses in the village had complained to Kirklees Council that added parking was needed to allow customers access.

But from May 3, waiting at any time will be prohibited in Honley on parts of Church Street, Cross Street, Marsh Gardens, New Street, Southgate, St Mary’s Mews and St Mary’s Road.

Concord Street and New Street will have restrictions between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Cuckoo Lane has a speed bump and a green coloured pedestrian lane to create a safe walking area along the street.

Honley Post Office sub-postmistress Brenda Bodenham welcomed the 20mph zone.

She said: “It’s absolutely brilliant. I just hope now the measures have been put in they will police the 20mph zone.

“We are plagued by people driving at stupid speeds.”

Ms Bodenham added: “It will hopefully improve the village safety, but there still remains the problems of the zebra crossings on Westgate. The position of them makes it difficult for drivers to see you if there are parked cars.”

Meanwhile in Meltham, work is ongoing at Station Street, Slaithwaite Road and Wessenden Head Road.

The £130,000 scheme will include a 20mph zone, mini-roundabouts, speed bumps and new crossings.