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15
Jan
Traffic light blackout causes chaos for drivers on Harrogate's Leeds Road
A traffic light blackout has caused chaos for drivers on Harrogate’s Leeds Road.
Lights at the junction with M&S were out on all four arms of the crossroads after a Northern Powergrid power outage yesterday (January 14).
The A61 Leeds Road carries around 30,000 drivers a day, with many coming into Harrogate from Leeds and Bradford.
The blackout caused severe delays as motorists tried to negotiate the junction during rush hour.
Cllr John Mann, who represents Oatlands and Pannal on North Yorkshire Council, said traffic was forced to slow down to 10 miles an hour as drivers proceeded with caution towards Leeds Road, Hookstone Road and Leadhall Lane.
Traffic queuing down Leeds Road this morning (January 15).
Temporary lights have since been installed, but motorists have told the Stray Ferret that traffic heading into town this morning was queuing back to Almsford Bank.
Power to the lights has also yet to be restored.
Cllr Mann said:
It is not known what caused the Northern Powergrid power outage or exactly when power to the permanent traffic lights will be restored. However, the important thing is that traffic safety has been restored at this junction and the rush-hour will not have to navigate this dangerous crossroads without a traffic light system in place.
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