TRAFFIC congestion in Northallerton is to be tackled following consultations.

A scheme has been designed by North Yorkshire County Council to target congestion areas in the town, such as Low Gates level crossing and the High Street.

Nearly 2,000 people responded to a questionnaire sent to homes and businesses in August, and the views have helped create the Northallerton Traffic Management Strategy.

Chris Millns, head of environmental enhancement at the county council, said: "The aim of the strategy is to look across the broader range of issues relating to pedestrians, cyclists, transport issues and car parking."

Among the proposals is to remove the roundabout at the junction of the High Street with Friarage Street and the Applegarth car park and install traffic lights.

The taxi rank near the town hall would also be moved to the other side of the High Street, near Grovers, and right-turns from the High Street into Romanby Road would be banned.

Romanby Road would be made one-way.

One of the most controversial proposals is for a bridge over the Low Gates level crossing in Darlington Road.

Hambleton District councillors have objected, saying it would have a negative impact on the town and cause problems for access to development sites.

They also said it could jeopardise any plans for a Northallerton bypass.

However, 89 per cent of the people who responded to the questionnaire were in favour of a bridge, which would cost about £5m.

Mr Millns said: "It is very difficult to see any other solution at Low Gates.

"The scheme that we had been looking at in conjunction with the Strategic Rail Authority involved a bridge but that is difficult in itself because it is a very expensive project. Also we have to very carefully minimise the impact on land and property in the vicinity."

The strategy will go before the council's County Committee for Hambleton on Monday, December 1. More detailed plans will then be drawn up by officers.