Concern over train station road plan

A LEADING councillor has expressed “major concerns” that reducing traffic to one lane outside Harrogate train station could cause long queues on surrounding streets.

The road changes have been proposed for Station Parade as part of the £7.9m Harrogate Gateway project, which could also include a ban on cars on James Street. The aim is to create a more pedestrian and cycle-friendly entrance to the town.

It has won the support of many residents, but some have raised concerns that reducing road space for cars could be bad for business and lengthen queues.

Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member of access, including highways, road and rail transport, says he is worried about the scheme.

Speaking at a meeting on Thursday, he said: “Whilst we can see huge advantages in creating a very pedestrian and cycle-friendly area in front of the railway station by reducing it to one lane, a major concern, for me personally also, is the effects that this will have on southbound A61 traffic.

“The last thing we want is to cause major hold-ups down Cheltenham Parade and Ripon Road – and standing traffic with engines ticking over is very bad for air quality.”

A public consultation on the proposals is underway and the council has stressed that no decision on the road changes has yet been taken. There are two options – leave it as two lanes of traffic or reduce it to one.

Meanwhile, the pedestrianisation of James Street is also being considered, as well as an option to leave it untouched.