Readers' Letters: A658 should have a reduced speed limit

Readers’ Letters is a free weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

This week, we’ve collated some of our readers’ letters and comments left in the comments section of our new website. 

Having witnessed the horrifying consequences of many high-speed accidents on the A658 road, at its junction with Hall Green Lane and Dunkeswick Lane, we know that something must change.

This road forms part of my daily life, unfortunately it has a notorious reputation for accidents stemming from excess speed.

Dozens of vehicle accidents take place every year and the nearby bus shelters and lamp posts have been demolished by vehicles crashing into them on many occasions . 

I am proposing a reduction of the current speed limit to 30mph on the A658 and the installation of traffic lights at its junction with Hall Green Lane and Dunkeswick Lane. 

Such a change will increase the safety of this particular road, reducing the number of preventable accidents, saving precious lives.

Harvey Alexander, Harrogate

The following comments were left on an article about 480 homes being approved in Harrogate, despite concerns over infrastructure.

Perhaps the Stray Ferret could investigate how often a section 106 agreement has actually been enforced in the last few years. I seem to remember various developers getting round them very easily and the council letting them do so. By the time something is built or declared finished, it’s too late. Another example of having endless laws, regs and agreements but completely useless if not enforced.

Friedy Luther

I remember being told a few years ago that all new homes in the area should have EV charge points as standard but at the King Edwin Persimmon Homes development off Penny Pot Lane, existing and homes under construction have none. I also notice that none of the existing homes have solar panels. Some of those under construction have a token two panels which are almost worse than useless but no EV chargers. 

Can we be certain that Gladwin and other new houses will be properly equipped for a sustainable and more affordable future?

Ralph Armsby

These developments should not be allowed to take place until the “promised” infrastructure elements such as schools, road improvements and surgeries etc. are built.

David Spenley

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

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