A new 40mph speed limit on the outskirts of Harden will be imposed on two roads.

Details of the ‘buffer zone’ speed-reduction scheme were released by Bradford Council this week.

There will be 40mph stretches on both Ryecroft Road and Hill End Lane as they come together just before Harden’s existing 30mph zone.

Initial news of the scheme was welcomed last week by Councillor Simon Cooke, who represents Bingley Rural ward on Bradford Council.

The scheme complements a 20mph traffic calming zone imposed in the centre of Harden last year.

At present, Hill End Lane has a long 60mph stretch between Cullingworth and Harden, reducing to 30mph as it passes the junction with Ryecroft Road and reaches the first houses in the village.

Ryecroft Road, which comes down to Harden from the Guide pub, has a 60mph limit all the way to Hill End Lane.

The new 40mph zones will run about 600 yards along both roads. On Ryecroft Road, it will stretch up to the hamlet of Ryecroft.

Coun Cooke said: “The few hundred yards of 40mph limit will mean a gradual decline in speed – essentially, it will provide a buffer zone.”

Bradford Council plans to consult residents in the Ryecroft and Hill End Lane areas about the scheme in the near future.

Money has already been earmarked for the works by the council’s Shipley Area Committee.