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Oct 2021

Last Updated: 22/10/2021

Environment

Beech Grove closure officially extended until August 2022

by Connor Creaghan

| 22 Oct, 2021

The experimental closure has been in place since February. When it started the council said that it would end in August 2021 but it will now stay in place for an extra year.

North Yorkshire County Council has officially extended the closure of Beech Grove by 18 months in a bid to encourage cycling and walking.

The experimental closure has been in place since February. The council said at the time it would end in August 2021 but it will now stay until August 2022.

Ahead of August 2022 the council will take a formal decision on how to move forward with Beech Grove.

The closure of Beech Grove has been controversial. Some see it as the way forward but others believe it just shifts traffic onto other roads.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said:

"Taking into account the consultation responses, traffic survey data, ongoing site observations and other active travel measures in Harrogate, we have decided to maintain the modal filters until summer 2022.

"A reduction in traffic levels on Beech Grove has resulted in a reduction in the speed of vehicles and an increase in cyclists.

"The various lockdowns have had an impact on traffic levels.

"So an extension means we can collect further data before a decision is made on whether to make the measures permanent or set aside the scheme."

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Cllr Mackenzie believes that when other projects on Otley Road, Station Parade and Victoria Avenue are all complete there will be a further increase in cycling in Harrogate.

Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper also said:

"We appreciate that some local residents remain sceptical about these new sustainable transport measures. But extending the trial is important to be able to make an informed decision.

"We cannot pretend that traffic congestion, poor air quality, a diminishing environment and climate change can be solved without radical changes."

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Beech Grove closure officially extended until August 2022

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