DRIVERS living in two North Yorkshire villages are being asked to sign a pledge to keep their speeds legal.

It follows a decision to cut the speed limit through the twin villages of Fearby and Healey, near Masham, from 40mph to 30mph.

But before lower limits are introduced villagers are being asked to back a "make the commitment" scheme to curb driving speeds.

North Yorkshire Police expressed reservations about reducing the speed limit, but they have agreed to back the 30mph limit if the villages take part in the anti-speeding commitment campaign.

Drivers will be asked to sign a form which says: "I'm making the commitment to kill my speed. I will try to drive within the speed limit at all times."

The information could be held on computer and drivers sent further information about the campaign. But if they object to that, they can tick a box.

Drivers making the pledge will also be able to display a disc indicating they have put their signature to the commitment.

A similar scheme is working successfully at Hardraw, in Wensleydale.

The reduced speed limit and commitment initiative were proposed by Masham and Fountains county councillor Paul Richardson at an area meeting of North Yorkshire County Council in Ripon.

Coun Richardson said: "There is a great deal of support for reducing the speed limit in the two villages.

"I am hoping that the commitment scheme works well and that if it does it will extend to other communities where there is also a speeding problem."

The scheme has been advertised locally and has received no objections. Police and county council officials will jointly pursue the commitment scheme and then impose the new speed limit.