HIGHWAYS chiefs are to try for a second time to bring in a 40mph limit on a busy York commuter route.

City of York Council planned in 1999 to reduce the speed limit on a stretch of the A59 Boroughbridge Road from 60mph to 40mph.

The proposal was part of a wider scheme to enlarge the roundabout at the junction of the A59 and the York Outer Ring Road.

The new limit was intended to provide a buffer zone between the roundabout and the urban area of York starting at the Northfield Lane junction, where a 30mph limit operates.

But although the necessary order was passed and notices published in the Evening Press in 2000, the new limit was never brought in because of difficulties in progressing with the overall roundabout widening scheme.

A report to next Thursday's planning and transport (west area) sub-committee says a recent review of traffic conditions and road safety issues in the area has highlighted the potential benefits of a 40mph limit.

But under Department of Transport guidance, the original order was made so long ago that it cannot be brought into force without first going out to fresh consultation.

The report, by traffic engineer Alistair Briggs, says the police support the new restriction, although they fear the length of the 40 mph zone might make enforcement difficult.

"They request that the start of the 40mph limit on the approach to York is provided with high-visibility signing," he said.

The proposals would have to be advertised in the local press, and people would be given three weeks to object.

However, because the limit would be in line with Department of Transport guidelines and the council's own speed limit policy, any claims that a lower limit was inappropriate would not be considered a valid objection.

He urged the committee to press ahead with advertising the proposals, adding that if any valid objections were received, they should be reported back to a subsequent meeting of the committee.

Updated: 09:35 Saturday, July 10, 2004