The death of a man who had just got off a bus near Harrogate this week has prompted calls for better visibility on the unlit stretch of road.
The unnamed man, who was in his 90s, died after being hit by a vehicle on the A61 Ripon Road between New Park roundabout and Killinghall at about 5.50pm on Monday, November 6.
The man had just alighted at the northbound bus stop on the bridge close to the junction with Knox Mill Lane.
Councillor Monika Slater, a Liberal Democrat who represents Bilton Grange and New Park on North Yorkshire Council, contacted council officers after the incident. She said:
“It is a very dark stretch of road with a speed limit of 40mph and no central reservation. I feel that work could be done to improve the visibility for both drivers and pedestrians in that area.
“North Yorkshire Council need to ensure that bus stops are located in safe places and I have asked them to have a look at what they can do to increase the safety of bus passengers using that stop.”
The unlit stretch of road where the collision occurred.
Cllr Slater received a response saying the council’s road safety team was working with North Yorkshire Police “to fully assess the incident and identify the cause”.
The council officer replied:
“This includes an assessment of the road condition, signs, lines and lighting in the area. Once the report is completed it goes to the North Yorkshire Council executive to review and this would include, if appropriate, any recommendations to alter any of the signs, lines, lighting, etc.
“This is not a quick process as the investigation is very detailed, but we will keep you appraised as this is progressed.”
Read more:
- Speed limit could be reduced on A61 Harrogate to Ripon Road
- Man in 90s dies after Harrogate collision
Ripon teacher dies after falling on hike in Italian Dolomites
A schoolteacher from near Ripon has died after falling 100ft while hiking in the Italian Dolomites.
Louise Atkinson, 55, of North Stainley, reportedly found herself on a difficult route in the Rosengarten massif in northern Italy after taking a wrong turn.
Ms Atkinson, who was with her partner John Dickinson, had found herself at high altitude while hiking on Sunday.
A mountain rescue spokesman told the MailOnline that the couple ‘ended up on a more challenging route’ in the early afternoon after heading out on a hike.
They added that they had ‘turned back’ after realising they did not have the correct equipment to continue.
On the way back down, Ms Atkinson slipped and fell. She was pronounced dead when found by the authorities.
Tributes have been posted on social media to Ms Atkinson, who was a teacher at Roecliffe Church of England School near Boroughbridge and St Wilfrid’s Catholic School in Ripon.
One person posted:
“Heartbreaking news. This is so sad. She taught both our sons at Roecliffe. She was an amazing teacher and a lovely kind lady. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and pupils.”
Another said:
“Such sad news. My son loved her as a teacher and came home every Friday full of stories of what she taught him that day. Condolences to all her family and friends. RIP.”
Read more:
- Commissioner to be quizzed over planned cuts to Harrogate’s night-time fire crews
- North Yorkshire Police reveals scores of detective vacancies