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.

May 2020

Harrogate

Residents debate parking restrictions in district town centres

Published: 18 May 2020, 15:08 BST

Updated: 18 May 2020, 15:09 BST

by Calvin Robinson

Some residents in the Harrogate district have described the restrictions as "totally unnecessary" and a "waste of money". But others said it was reasonable.

Residents in the Harrogate district have had a debate online over parking restrictions put in place in town centres to enable social distancing.

People took to social media to comment on the issue, with some saying it was "totally unnecessary" while others said it was reasonable.

North Yorkshire County Council has put the restrictions in place on James Street, Commercial Street and parts of Albert Street in Harrogate and elsewhere in the district.

Council officials said the measures are designed to enable social distancing and will be in place for four months. The authority also confirmed on Twitter that the parking bays will be closed on the weekend.

But some people in the district said they were concerned that the restrictions would impact local business in town centres.

https://www.facebook.com/thestrayferret/posts/162157935326361?__xts__[0]=68.ARBBdf1Z0FHLvEo5aG9ouY8dafRhQ0V2W-UuvDau15eY1aKD1yu8IPkN187prl8LlYrZycdXv9Yw-Bf2faGFegJwNNicoWBaEiTmpnnBjpbtaog5YRTUodsTFLByDOTch4LmlXs9aQ_nR3YH1MGikcspY049FCk_bwi_O-ADx1mBg42dJoyFdvRw3wXI9LXnEty9JoLUtW1k2joBubN51OIP5A4tfFQ8Tk8hEq72XIL70LkFDC5nd1aAmW8aNmlRNR0ZEH2DYlaUCEDkXuEY7nab2FPoljCcRtuMZPLQ9XRa4_-L34J2bnUykWdpWmdclt2EMNjdpeseum_OWmv51gU&__tn__=-R

On Facebook, Sara Spencer said: “It seems to me that it is now acknowledged that the chances of catching it outside are negligible. This is therefore totally unnecessary. It is just an excuse to effectively pedestrianise the road and damage businesses even more.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Bellamy said: “Totally stupid action and a waste of money and time by the council.”

Robin Irwin said: “Absolute lunacy. Public know the risks, we should trust them more instead of totally killing our economy. Last one out turn off the lights.”

Others said the restrictions were reasonable and would be eased in time. Dave Hay said on Facebook that the measures have been put in place elsewhere in the UK.

He said: “A host of towns and cities around the UK have done the same. Seems quite reasonable. Others have included pop up cycle lanes too. The added width and bike lanes are allowing people to get a bit of exercise where most shops are still closed. I'm sure they'll ease off when shops reopen.”

The restrictions have also been put in place in Knaresborough High Street, Pateley Bridge High Street and Ripon High Street and Skellgate have been reduced in width to a single lane.

Richard Flinton, chief executive of NYCC, said in a message to residents:

“We are doing our best to limit crowds in those places where lack of space is particularly concerning such as Whitby, Filey, Scarborough and Harrogate.

“We are closing a number of streets, shutting certain car parks and suspending parking in a number of areas. We will also have highways crews looking out for any issues of concern over the weekend and ready to take the action open to us, to respond.”