Parking controls unlikely yet after wide-ranging survey

Measures such as dropped kerb crossings, bus stop improvements, lower speed limits near schools and secure racks for cycles have attracted little criticism, but officials feel more discussion is needed before radical steps can be taken.

Results of one of North Yorkshire County Council's most successful consultation exercises ever were released last Friday; copies are available at libraries.

Barrie Mason, group engineer, said the results would shape the framework for the five-year traffic management strategy, the first measures of which are due to be implemented this year.

A report detailing the responses goes to the county council's Richmondshire area committee on February 25, but the final decision rests with the director of environmental services under delegated powers.

The committee is recommended to approve a move to the design stage for less controversial measures such as the dropped kerbs, extension of the 30 and 40mph zones, cycle routes and secure cycle racks, and better signs.

Other matters likely to move forward during the early part of the strategy include a 20mph limit outside Wensleydale School, which was backed by 83pc of the residents who responded to the consultation.

Proposals to improve access from the Market Place to Yoredale Avenue are also likely to go out to further consultation. But no immediate action is recommended on controlling parking in the town centre, though talks are likely to continue with Richmondshire District Council and Leyburn Town Council.

Proposals for small paved areas for pedestrians in the Market Place are likely to be dropped from the scheme.

Mr Mason said the most emotive question was whether to restrict parking in the town centre, by disc or pay and display.

"A parking survey showed that just over 50pc of vehicles parked in the Market Place area were there for longer than six hours and that was flagged up as a problem, particularly by traders and people who want a quick shopping stop," he said.

More than 60pc of respondents supported a parking strategy, split roughly between the two options.

The cost of a disc scheme concerned the district council, which added that there must be strong local support for a pay and display scheme before it would be considered.

The town council did not back the parking proposals, changes to loading areas in the Market Place or plans for cycle routes and cycle parking.

Coun Roger Harrison-Topham, who represents Leyburn on the county council, said the public had been listened to by officials, who would continue to consult as the strategy was developed.

"The charm of Leyburn is that you can come in, park, collect a few groceries and leave, and that is something I would wish to preserve," he said. "My personal view is that pay and display is not a runner because it would disadvantage the economy of Leyburn, which is at present pleasant and prosperous."

A decision on the scheme is likely to be taken in early March and a further report would go to the April meeting of the area committee, outlining an implementation plan and timetable. Progress reports would then be fed to each area committee.

"There are a lot of detailed issues still to be consulted on, discussed and finalised but this initial work has shown that most people believe there are improvements to be made to the traffic system in Leyburn.

"When we consulted the public, and sent out a questionnaire to one in ten of the town's households, we had a 31pc response, which is just about the highest level of response for any traffic management survey. That proves people are interested."

The county council's traffic management approach was recognised by Government Office for Yorkshire and Humber as an effective way of addressing traffic issues. A similar five-year programme at Hawes is in its third year and schemes are being drawn up for Richmond and Bedale.

* The Richmondshire area committee discusses the Leyburn scheme at Thornborough Hall, Leyburn, on February 25, 2.30.