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    13

    Jan 2022

    Last Updated: 12/01/2022
    Transport
    Transport

    Review into Oatlands Drive traffic measures delayed

    by John Plummer

    | 13 Jan, 2022
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    Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive councillor for highways, tells the Stray Ferret that the publication of a review into traffic measures on Oatlands Drive has been delayed. A cycling scheme for Victoria Avenue could also be hit by delays.

    oatlands-drive-2
    Oatlands Drive, Harrogate.

    A review into traffic measures on Harrogate’s Oatlands Drive has been delayed.

    North Yorkshire County Council was due to publish a list of measures to improve walking and cycling in the area last year.

    However, Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the council, told the Stray Ferret that publication of the review has been delayed as the council is working with consultants on the matter.

    The Oatlands Constituency Feasibility Study is being drawn up after the council ditched proposals to introduce a one-way system on the road following complaints from residents.

    It is expected to look into issues such as parking, access to the Saints area and the blocking of the cycle way on Oatlands Drive by cars.



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    The study was earmarked to be finalised last autumn.

    But Cllr Mackenzie said:

    “It has been delayed. We are working with our consultants on that.
    “It will look at parking and various issues in the Saints area. I am sorry that it has been delayed.”


    Concerns over parking in the cycle lane on Oatlands Drive have been raised with the council over many years, Cllr Mackenzie added.

    In September, Harrogate Borough Council erected no parking signs warning drivers they face a £100 fine or being towed away if they park on Stray land next to the cycle lane.

    However, drivers were later pictured defying the "no parking" signs.

    Oatlands Drive

    The parking signs which were erected on Oatlands Drive.



    One side of Oatlands Drive has double yellow lines but the other side — where cars park — does not.

    The county council is working with London-based consultancy firm WSP on the Oatlands study. The company also carried out work on the £60 million Kex Gill realignment project for the authority.

    Victoria Avenue cycle scheme expected to hit delays


    Another cycling project which is also expected to be delayed is the Victoria Avenue scheme in Harrogate.

    The project is set to see cycle lanes implemented in order to connect with the nearby Beech Grove low traffic neighbourhood.

    It comes as part of a £1.2 million government funded scheme to to get more people walking and cycling as the nation emerges from the pandemic.

    The project which has been earmarked for Victoria Avenue in Harrogate.



    However, Cllr Mackenzie told the Stray Ferret that the Victoria Avenue part of the project could require Stray land to be exchanged.

    This could delay construction of the project as the county council would have to liaise with Harrogate Borough Council to identify land to be exchanged with the Duchy of Lancaster.

    Cllr Mackenzie said he had hoped to start work on the Active Travel schemes, which also includes a project on the A59 Harrogate Road, this summer.