Harrogate motorists have been avoiding the closure of Beech Grove by driving over the Stray.
The road closed to through traffic yesterday but already some vehicles have taken the law into their own hands by mounting the kerb and cutting across the Stray, leaving behind mud and tyre tracks.
A chaotic first night saw most motorists, confronted by road blocks for the first time, performing u-turns. But the Stray Ferret has photographic evidence, as well as verbal reports by witnesses, that some engaged in illegal manoeuvres.
Besides driving on the Stray, motorists also drove through the car parks attached to the residential apartment blocks on Beech Grove. They also drove the wrong way along the one-way street that connects Beech Grove and Victoria Road to avoid a detour.
North Yorkshire County Council, the highways authority, is now considering ways to prevent motorists taking the law into their own hands.
Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, told the Stray Ferret:
“I am very sorry that motorists have decided to drive across the Stray to avoid the road closure on Beech Grove.
“That is extremely poor behaviour. They are also committing a driving offence.”
Read more:
- Cars could make way for cyclists on another Harrogate road
- Controversial Harrogate road closure starts today
Judy D’Arcy Thompson, chair of the Stray Defence Association, told the Stray Ferret:
“It is outrageous that cars are being driven onto the Stray. We understand drivers’ frustrations as they are probably unaware of the closure until they have actually entered Beech Grove.
“However, this does not excuse angry and potentially dangerous driving.
“The hideously ugly planters appear to have been placed well into the route to avoid the increased flooding which now occurs on West Park Stray, spreading as it does across the road.
“As always our concern is for the protection of the Stray and we are engaged in conversation with both North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council about this.”
Beech Grove will be closed to through traffic for six months before North Yorkshire County Council, which is consulting on the scheme, decides whether to make it permanent.
It is hoped the move will encourage pedestrians and cyclists. It will link to the new Otley Road cycle path, work on which is due to begin in spring.
Residents, refuse collections and emergency services will still have access to the area.
