North Yorks Council rejects Otley MP's lorry ban proposals (From Wharfedale Observer)

North Yorks Council rejects Otley MP's lorry ban proposals

7:20am Friday 26th October 2007 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

An MP's plan for a lorry ban to protect Pool-in-Wharfedale and Otley has been rejected by North Yorkshire County Council.

But the council has agreed to talks and mediation in a bid to find a solution to the problem.

Otley MP Greg Mulholland has proposed a scheme that would put a 7.5 tonne weight restriction on four roads north of Otley and Pool.

It would effectively stop all quarry traffic from North Yorkshire passing through both communities as well as Leathley and Arthington.

But it depended on the agreement of North Yorkshire county Council, which had already rejected less ambitious Otley focused proposals from Leeds City Council.

North Yorkshire's response was drafted by Coun John Fort. It said: "As you are aware there has been an ongoing discussion between North Yorkshire County Council and Leeds City Council about the matter.

"In this case however I cannot support the proposals for a series of weight restrictions.

"Whilst recognising the impact of quarry traffic on Otley the alternatives proposed by yourself and Leeds City Council are equally undesirable.

"The series of weight restrictions proposed would ban quarry traffic from the communities mentioned, but the likely diversion route would be on to the A61 through Harrogate town centre."

Coun Fort added: "I also have concerns about the significant adverse impact of the weight restrictions which would be in the form of a series of point' weight restrictions, on other HGVs making deliveries in the local area.

"These vehicles would not be able to pass through the point restrictions and many would have to make long diversions.

"In summary, whilst recognising the problems of quarry traffic travelling through Otley I cannot support the proposals due to the equally adverse impact on Harrogate town centre."

But Coun Fort has said the county council is prepared to accept independent mediation - albeit without being prepared to accept any findings as binding.

After receiving the letter Mr Mulholland said: "Clearly I would have liked North Yorkshire County Council to have agreed to take action now to deal with this problem, but I do feel that they have given a constructive response and are prepared to discuss this issue.

"They have agreed with my suggestion of an independent mediator to work with the two councils to see if there are ways we could all support to deal with this problem.

"I hope now that we will get the two councils round the table and that by doing so, we can find the best solution to protect all the communities in the area."