VISITORS to the spa resort of Saltburn may be forced to slow down as part of plans to revise speed limits for vehicle users.

Consultants Capita Property and Infrastructure have been assisting Redcar and Cleveland Council with transport-related changes in the town, which are intended to improve flow, safety and access.

The firm, which has a £50,000 contract with the local authority, has been carrying out road safety audits and cuts to speed limits could result.

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It is to carry out a public consultation which will also consider the feasibility of a park and ride system for Saltburn, along with improved pedestrian and cycling access in busy areas.

The council said more designated parking for train travellers was also being considered, with an extension of the First TransPennine Express Manchester Airport to Redcar Central service due to be extended Saltburn each hour from May.

A second, statutory consultation will follow before recommendations are made to the local authority.

A number of car park changes in Saltburn are already in the pipeline as part of a previously published and approved three-year council car parking strategy.

The Northern Echo:

These are set to see the introduction of pay and display charges on Saltburn’s Marine Parade, along with more bays being created for parking, and residents only parking zones in areas such as the ‘Jewel’ streets, off Marine Parade.

Councillors recently approved an extension of the Cat Nab park on the seafront from 155 to 189 car parking spaces and the local authority is intending to bring forward another planning application to create more car parking at the nearby pumping station site.

A council spokesman said Capita had been carrying out count surveys in the town of traffic and was analysing car parking data, while also making comparisons with other coastal destinations such as Scarborough and Whitby down the coast.

Councillor Julie Craig, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “There are a number of positive things in the pipeline for Saltburn, but first we must ensure that residents and local businesses are consulted and prioritised while we ensure we can safely accommodate the increasing numbers of visitors.

“We know how important Saltburn is to its community, and really want to make this work for everyone involved.”

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