Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, sign up today to unlock exclusive content and be part of our community discussions
- Exclusive discounts
- Enjoy commenting on local issues
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
19
Jan 2024
Council rejects plea to create 20mph zone on ‘terrifying’ Hookstone Drive
North Yorkshire Council rejected a plea to create a 20mph zone on Hookstone Drive in Harrogate the day after a man was seriously injured crossing the road.
Following the incident on Wednesday afternoon, the police issued a statement appealing for information after the man was left with serious head injuries. He was hit by a white BMW when using a pedestrian crossing near Hornbeam Park.
Hookstone Drive is particularly busy in mornings and afternoons and is used by children walking to St John Fisher Catholic High School, St Aidan’s Church of England High School and Oatlands Junior School. Motorists also travel through it when going between Leeds Road and Wetherby Road.
Road safety campaigner Hazel Peacock attended a meeting of councillors in Northallerton yesterday when she pleaded with the council to implement a 20mph zone on Hookstone Drive which she said can be “terrifying” for children.
Ms Peacock added that some parents who live in the nearby Saints area are too scared to let their children walk to school on the road so drive them instead.
She said the council should follow government advice and allow zones on major streets where there could be significant journeys made on bicycle.
Ms Peacock said:
But her request was knocked back by council transport officer Melisa Burnham, who said North Yorkshire Council had looked in detail at Hookstone Drive but concluded that lowering the speed limit or introducing traffic calming measures like speed bumps would not be suitable due to its strategic importance to Harrogate’s road network.
Ms Burnham also referred to the School Streets initiative on Beechwood Grove outside Oatlands school that will see traffic banned at certain times. She also said other traffic calming measures will be introduced on Oatlands Drive.
Ms Burnham added:
The merits of introducing 20mph zones were questioned by Cllr David Ireton, a Conservative who represents Bentham and Ingleton, who said "motorists don’t take any notice of them”.
Cllr Paul Haslam, a Conservative who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge, suggested speed limits at Hookstone Drive could operate at different times, such as when schools open and close.
Read more:
- Pedestrian suffers ‘severe head injuries’ in Harrogate crash
- Killinghall roadworks to remain for another eight days
0