Readers’ Letters: When was the last time anyone drove on the A61 at 60mph?

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 website.

This letter followed news of plans to reduce the speed limit on the A61 from 60mph to 50mph being approved. People are also calling for the overtaking lane on the road, which runs between Ripley and Ripon, to be removed. 

With reference to the recent letter questioning the reduced speed limit and scrapping an overtaking lane on the A61, when did the writer last travel at the maximum speed limit during 'normal' hours?

I used the road daily for over 25 years. The A61 is not a particularly fast road – given the bends, junctions, farm vehicles and caravans etc – so better to accept that than try to use it as a racetrack.

The reduction from 60mph to 50mph makes sense to me and – I suspect – to those who have had to deal with the aftermath of incidents/accidents.

In terms of removing the overtaking lane – southbound only by the way – I was always amused when overtaken there. It’s often a tight manoeuvre to then find the car likely only two or three in front of me by the time we reached Ripley or New Park.

Bernard White, Ripon

Harrogate is gridlocked!

The following two comments were left on a story about roadworks on Harrogate's Cold Bath Road. 

Harrogate is gridlocked. Too many roadworks all taking place at the same time – bonkers!

Helen Nash

I feel sorry for all the elderly residents in the Cold Bath Road area, who cannot easily get into town because the number six bus is not serving Cold Bath Road until the roadworks finish towards the end of the month.

Christopher Smith

How much wil the taxpayer be spending on the leisure centre rebrands?

This comment was left on a story about the council's leisure services rebranding. 

And how much will it cost to rebrand all the material needs? Uniforms, leaflets, brand products, decorating, signage, etc. Has all this been costed in as well? I’ll bet at this stage, not.

Richard Coppinger

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.

If you enjoyed reading this article then please subscribe to read all our content. Subscription costs £4.99 a month or £49.99 if you pay annually.

That works out at less than a pound a week. You will also enjoy exclusive subscriber discounts. Click here to subscribe.