Tour de Yorkshire could disrupt elections on route, says councillor

A COUNCILLOR has written to the Electoral Commission to raise concerns that the Tour de Yorkshire will “interfere” with next May’s council elections.

Coun Andy Strangeway said rolling road blocks and lack of parking would make it more difficult, particularly for people with disabilities, to get to polling stations to vote as the Tour wends its way through East Yorkshire on May 2.

The councillor, who represents Pocklington Provincial, has also written to East Riding Council’s returning officer Caroline Lacey.

Coun Strangeway said voters could be held up for an hour, adding: “The legislation states: ‘The returning officer must provide a sufficient number of polling stations and allot the electors to the polling stations in such a manner as he thinks most convenient.’

“How this is most convenient is beyond me. In Pocklington, Barmby Moor and Sutton-on-Derwent this will prevent many residents going to the polling stations at the height of the day.”

Much of stage one of the men’s race from Doncaster to Selby will take place in the East Riding, where it will take in 27 towns and villages, including Howden, Brough and Swanland. It will also pass through Beverley, Middleton-on-the-Wolds, Pocklington, Barmby Moor and Sutton-onDerwent.

But the East Riding Council insists any delays will be “minimal”. A spokesman said polling stations would be open as usual from 7am until 10pm on May 2, the day of the local and town and parish council elections.

He added: “There will be rolling road blocks throughout the day and these are not anticipated to last longer than 45 minutes and any delays are expected to be minimal.”