IF the 20mph speed limit being introduced in South Bank “saves just one life, it will have been worth it,” according to residents in the area.

The reduced speed limit, set to come in to force this month, has the support of more than three quarters of those living and working in the area, who responded to a consultation on the initiative.

City of York Council argues that in areas where similar schemes have been introduced, such as Bristol, there has been an increase in walking and cycling.

Adrian Lower, chair of the Friends of Millthorpe School, said: “People often think of primary school children as the ones needing protection from traffic.

“But our secondary pupils are starting to become independent and travel to school or hang out with friends on the streets around South Bank.

“Every mile less of vehicle speed makes for a safer journey for them, as well as for the staff and the many visitors to Millthorpe.”

Other people lending their support include Piers Maffett, owner of Cycle Heaven in Bishopthorpe Road, who said the new limit would improve quality of life and the strong sense of community in the area.

Johnny Hayes, semi-retired, and ex-owner of Pextons hardware shop, said, “Speaking as an individual and a resident of the Bishy Road area, I think that if it saves just one life or reduces the risk of a single accident, this 20 mph limit has to be a good thing.”

The newly appointed chair of the 20s Plenty for York group, Matt Genn, a student at the University of York and a resident of South Bank, said: “Some campaigners have tried to pit motorists against pedestrians on this issue – but we will all benefit from 20mph. 20mph limits have been shown to reduce motorist casualties even more than pedestrian or cyclist ones and have no impact on journey times.”