SKIPTON Chamber of Trade has branded a proposed 20mph speed limit in the town centre absurd.

North Yorkshire County Council highways department wants to slow down traffic on the High Street and surrounding streets.

Skipton Chamber of Trade is strongly opposed to the main shopping area becoming a 20mph zone and said it was "absurdity."

And, in a submission to Craven Area Committee, it added: "We see no need when, for the majority of the day, traffic is unable to obtain the proposed speed of 20mph.

"The recent proliferation of road traffic signs would have additional signage to the point that none would be effective."

The chamber also questions the cost of the scheme.

It added: "Journeys around Yorkshire reveal similar cases of partial restrictions in places like Pateley Bridge and Hawes - again places where traffic would struggle to get up to 20 mph.

"If North Yorkshire County Council are so keen to see this lower limit, why not campaign to have all 30 mph areas reduced to 20mph? This would reduce the number of signs required, this making the move effective."

Skipton Town Council is in support of the lower speed limit while the police say they neither object nor support it.

The matter will be discussed by the area commit-tee tomorrow.