POLICE were today urged to think again about their refusal to back a council bid to slash the speed limit on York's outer ring road.

City of York Council wants to see the 60mph limit dropped to 50mph on the A1237 between Askham Bar and Grimston Bar.

But police will not support the bid because the law requires an officer to examine images from speed cameras enforcing the proposed limit which would stretch their limited manpower.

The force also has a long-standing policy against fixed speed cameras.

On Thursday, the proposal will go before the council's scrutiny committee after being called in by Lib Dem councillors Jonathan Blakeborough, Sue Galloway and Ann Reid.

The members are calling for a police representative to be there to hear their concerns.

Coun Reid, shadow executive member for planning and transport, said: "We are concerned about traffic speeds on the whole length of the A1237 but particularly from the junction with the A64 past Moor Lane and Askham Lane to the A59 junction.

"There have been a number of fatal accidents on that stretch of road. More deaths might be prevented if the traffic speeds are lower."

The council is keen to press ahead with the proposal and the Highways Agency, which maintains part of the A1237 is in support but only on condition that the police also agree.

But Coun Reid added: "Only the police are objecting and we want to know why."

As well as helping to reduce the seriousness of accidents councillors feel lower speeds might also help drivers having to access the outer ring road from non-roundabout junctions.

Residents using the Moor Lane junction with the A1237 have continually complained about the problems they encounter there.

Another potential stumbling-block for the speed-cutting drive with cameras is a European human rights law which could mean car owners do not have to tell police who was driving when a vehicle is caught speeding on camera as it makes them incriminate themselves.

Plans to enlarge the A59/A1237 roundabout have also been called in to the committee over concerns the redesign may prejudge the location of a future park and ride site.