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The Conservative council which covers Rishi Sunak\u2019s own North Yorkshire constituency is expanding the use of 20mph zones in the area, despite the Prime Minister\u2019s claims that they are an \u201cattack on motorists\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Tory-run North Yorkshire County Council, which is responsible for setting speed limits in the county, rolled out a huge expansion of 20mph zones last month in Harrogate – the biggest in the council\u2019s history.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The council\u2019s own impact assessment said the measures have an \u201coverall positive effect on road user safety\u201d, the i reports.<\/p>\n
Keane Duncan, the council\u2019s executive member for highways, praised the move, calling it a \u201ctestament to the collective determination of schools, families and councillors to respond to public concerns and deliver ambitious action.”<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> Hated 20mph speed limits are already in England \u2013 and your town could be next[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n He added: \u201cIt sets a positive example and leads the way for communities across North Yorkshire.\u201d<\/p>\n Duncan was chosen by Conservative Party members to stand for the Mayor of York position at its next election in May 2024.\u00a0<\/p>\n This all comes despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak\u2019s claims this weekend that 20mph speed limits were \u201can attack on the day-to-day lives of people across the UK\u201d.<\/p>\n Sunak\u2019s Richmond (Yorks) constituency has its speed limits set by North Yorkshire County Council, although it is unclear yet whether a 20mph expansion into Richmond is planned.<\/p>\n It comes as Sunak pushes an alleged \u201cpro-motorist\u201d agenda, while also rolling back on green policies, to create a dividing line between the Conservatives and Labour as the next General Election looms.\u00a0<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Sunak\u2019s Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, told the Conservative Party Conference that the Department for Transport would fight the 20mph zones, which were \u201cyet another way to punish drivers\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n Harper claims they \u201cmay actually increase pollution and [it] risks motorists ignoring 20mph zones where they are needed\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n He continued: \u201cwe will change the Department for Transport guidance, requiring councils to only use 20mph zones where there is a good reason and underlining that 30mph is the default speed limit on urban roads.\u201d<\/p>\n Express.co.uk has contacted the PM’s office and North Yorkshire County Council for comment.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/secondary\/Keane-Duncan-4991348.jpg?r=1696332791458\")
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