Congestion prompts move for parking ban amid fears over loss of bus service

A BAN on parking is to be considered in the centre of a historic Selby village amid fears that bus services could be scrapped because of over-congestion.

The controversial move, put forward by the parish council, would see restrictions put in place at set times around the centre of Hemingbrough and outside the village school.

It comes after Arriva warned its buses could not travel safely down the street, prompting concerns that the village could lose its services altogether.

In moves to be considered by North Yorkshire County Council tomorrow, restrictions would be brought in to prevent parking in Main Street and School Lane at set times on weekdays.

“People are constantly complaining about driving down Main Street and not being able to get through,” said parish council chairman Jan Strelczenie. “At one time it was almost a traffic-calming measure, but since then it’s become too difficult.

“We’ve got four buses a day, and the drivers can’t get through because of the parked cars. They can’t get through, so they won’t go through. We’ve a lot of elderly people who live in the village, it was looking as if the buses would be withdrawn and that would be no good to anybody.”

The proposals, which drew 17 letters in comment including seven in opposition, would see a nowaiting zone imposed in School Lane at primary pick-up and drop-off times. It would see similar in Main Street, in staggered stretches, between 8am and 4pm on weekdays.