North Wharf: big vehicles banned

Part of Scarborough harbour has had to exclude heavy vehicles from using North Wharf, the area to the rear of the Ask restaurant.

Scarborough Council has introduced a 3.5 tonne weight limit for vehicles using Scarborough’s North Wharf, which comes into place with immediate effect.

The limit has been brought in following a recent routine inspection of the wharf, which showed deterioration in some parts of its structure.

The aim of the l i mit i s to protect the long term use of the wharf, given its age and position, and safeguard wharf users.

Cllr Mike Cockerill, cabinet member for harbours, explains: “Like all our harbour assets, the North Wharf in Scarborough is an ageing structure continually subject to a harsh marine environment and every day private and commercial use, which over time, has contributed to the deterioration of its structure.

“Whi l e we ta k e t i me t o evaluate the findings of the inspection report with a view to exploring options for strengthening the wharf, our engineers have strongly recommended that we restrict the weight of vehicles that go onto the wharf, at least in the short term. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause some wharf users.”

Signs warning of the weight restriction have been erected on and around the wharf.

The council’s harbour team is liaising with key users regarding alternative arrangements and would like to stress that the West Pier is fully open for business as normal.

The inspection was carried out as part of the council’s ongoing assessment of the condition of its harbour structures throughout the borough.