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17
Mar 2022
Harrogate district train station parking review a ‘lost opportunity’
A review into car parking at train stations across the Harrogate district has been criticised as a “lost opportunity”.
Transport officials at North Yorkshire County Council launched the review to look into where parking could be expanded in order to encourage the use of public transport and stop parked vehicles spilling over onto residential streets.
The findings were discussed at a meeting today when councillor Paul Haslam, who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge, said he was “disappointed” that residents were not asked where they believe investment is needed the most. He said:
Cllr Haslam said while the review was “very measured,” it was a “lost opportunity” to also look into how access to train stations can be made easier for those travelling on foot or by bike.
He told today’s meeting of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee:
His comments were backed by councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, who added:
More parking at Pannal
The review highlights how new car parking will be built at Pannal train station as part of the ongoing housing development at the former Dunlopillo site.
Construction work has yet to start on the car park and it is unclear when this could begin.
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Cattal train station has also been identified for improved parking as part of a 3,000-home settlement which is planned for the area because of its railway links.
There are no plans to upgrade parking at train stations in Starbeck, Knaresborough or Weeton, as well Harrogate which a report said already has extra capacity at the Victoria multi-storey car park.
Another area which has been identified for potential improvements is Hornbeam Park train station where previous proposals to expand the car park were met with concerns that it could encourage more car journeys on the already congested Hookstone Road.
Traffic impact
Graham North, strategic support officer at the county council, told today’s meeting that extra car parking had been considered again, although it could have had a “significant” impact on traffic.
Mr North also set out some of the reasons why parking upgrades are needed at other train stations, but can not be achieved.
He said:
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