‘Absolutely hellish’ and an ‘expensive mistake’ - Whitby motorists up in arms at traffic lights causing lengthy tailbacks

Whitby motorists have hit out at the long queues backed up over the new bridge in both directions since traffic lights were installed at the bottom of Helredale Road.

With the summer holidays in full swing and key events like Whitby Regatta and Folk Week reeling in thousands of visitors, we asked our readers what they thought about the lights and the resulting problems they are causing.

The traffic lights have been very controversial, with many Whitby residents suggesting a roundabout should have been put in place instead.

placeholder image — The traffic lights have been very controversial, with many Whitby residents suggesting a roundabout should have been put in place instead.

Christine Croxton said: “I live on Mayfield Road so see the mayhem every day. We rarely saw traffic backing up to the roundabout for such prolonged periods before the Larpool lights were installed. The next problem will be stress issues on the bridge due to the continuous weight of traffic and that’s on top of the stress levels people endure every day just to get to Sainsbury’s and beyond!!”

Jane Davies added: “It is not good but that was predicted and no-one listened! A roundabout would have been cheaper and better”

Not all the feedback has been negative, with some Whitby residents pleased with the improvements the lights have made to accessing Spital Bridge.

One resident called the lights an ‘expensive mistake’. Cheryl Faith said: “Baffles me that the whole point was to improve access for those coming from Larpool and Spital Bridge, yet I’ve never ever waited as long to get out of either junction as I have since the lights have been in situ.The whole thing has been a massive expensive mistake, just like we all said it would be.”

Many people believe that the lights have made the roads more dangerous.

Donna Hopkinson said: “Absolutely hellish! So much backed up traffic, then Mayfield road lights people get stuck. Accident waiting to happen”, while Liam Foster said: “Terrible idea for anyone that has to use this road frequently at work. Already seen near misses with people confused with the new road layout, and when they shut the swing bridge it’s a disaster.” Mike Hogarth added: “Absolutely dreadful. It will cost lives if the emergency services are held up”

Some residents are finding it difficult to do normal quick drives through the town, with Geldna Wright saying “It took me an hour last Friday to get from the Leisure Centre to Sainsbury’s”

Many Whitby residents believe the new traffic lights have made the roads more dangerous, with the increased traffic causing chaos that increases the risk of accidents, as well as making it harder for emergency services to navigate the town.

Lisa Smith said: “Horrendous! It seems they aren’t in sync with the lights on Mayfield Road, so Mayfield Road junction gets blocked up, and they can be queuing as far as four lane ends on a bad day!”

Residents who live near the lights are very unhappy with the new system. Joy Trueman said: “Many times I can't get out of my own drive.”, while Peter Graham said: “Try living on Helredale Road now. Traffic fumes from stationery traffic are as bad as the delays. It's a waste of time having a bus timetable as the buses get further and further behind schedule as the day progresses”.

However, it’s not all bad - and some have commented on the easier access out of Spital Bridge and on to the main road.

Chocky Jones said: ”Much better, gets a bit congested at busy times, but it did that more before the lights. Very easy to get out of Larpool and Spital Bridge now too.”

Jade Barlow agreed that the easier access for Spital bridge is a good thing. She said: “Definitely much better coming out from Spital Bridge, I’ve not really been bothered by the new lights...if anything I prefer them” Sarah Pennock simply said: “Much better for pedestrians”

North Yorkshire Council’s highways area manager, Hannah Benson, said: “Traffic signals were installed at the junction of Helredale Road and Larpool Lane following detailed design work and public consultation, which showed they would provide safer and easier access for drivers joining from side roads and significantly improve facilities for pedestrians.

“Studies indicated that while there would be some increase in queues on the A171, delays from vehicles emerging from side roads would reduce.

“A roundabout was considered but was not a practical option because of the need to acquire additional land and the steep gradients on the approaches, which do not meet recommended design standards and could create safety issues, particularly for larger vehicles.

“We believe traffic signals to be the best solution but will continue to keep the junction under review and monitor traffic conditions to see how it is working for drivers, pedestrians and other road users.”