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16
Aug 2021
Harrogate residents criticise 'ridiculous' Victoria Road scheme
There has been a negative reaction amongst some residents to the announcement that vehicles will be stopped from entering Otley Road from Victoria Road from September in an 18-month trial to boost active travel.
North Yorkshire County Council, which is behind the proposal, hopes the intervention will encourage walking and cycling and improve safety for cyclists using the Otley Road cycle route, which could be completed by early 2022.
A barrier will be placed at the junction, and one-way only and no entry signs will be installed.
It follows the furore over the Beech Grove Low Traffic Neighbourhood, which restricted traffic on the road to create a safer link into Harrogate for cyclists.
Guy Tweedy regularly visits his mum at Wentworth Court on Beech Grove and called the move to make Victoria Road one way "ridiculous".
Mr Tweedy criticised the consultation process and said many residents first heard of the closure through the Stray Ferret. He said the new system has been brought in "by stealth" and will push traffic onto Cold Bath Road.
He added:
Read more:
- More road changes around Beech Grove and Otley Road
- Transport leader expects Harrogate’s Beech Grove road closure to be made permanent
Kay Weatherell lives on Beech Grove and her house backs onto Victoria Road. She called the move "absolutely crazy".
She added:
Another resident who lives just off Victoria Road and asked not to be named, said the council had "put the cart before the horse" by not consulting residents first about the trial, which he expects to be made permanent.
He said:
Conservative county councillor Don Mackenzie and NYCC’s executive member for access said:
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