Trial closure of Whitby Swing Bridge to take place, despite fears of traffic mayhem

A trial closure of Whitby Swing Bridge to vehicles is to take place next year despite concerns that it could lead to traffic “mayhem”.
Whitby Swing BridgeWhitby Swing Bridge
Whitby Swing Bridge

If the measure is approved, the iconic Swing Bridge would be closed to traffic between 10.30am and 4pm daily for a trial period starting in April 2021.

The experimental order would see the Swing Bridge and Grape Lane pedestrianised.

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New Quay Road, St Ann’s Staith, Haggersgate, Pier Road and Khyber Pass would become access only zones between these times..

The sight of the bridge full of pedestrians crossing has become a familiar scene on busy weekends and bank holidays while cars and buses back up as the bridge is only wide enough to support one lane of traffic.

The Whitby Town Deal Board has secured £400,000 of fast-track Government funding to pay for the infrastructure needed to carry out the trial which would be implemented by North Yorkshire County Council highways team.

A key element of the scheme would be to provide signs advising of the trial and redirecting traffic approaching the town centre, replacing the temporary signage that is currently used for closures.

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When the scheme was put to Scarborough and Whitby county councillors during their area committee meeting in September a number of concerns were raised.

Cllr Joe Plant, who represents Whitby Streonshalh, said at the time that the pedestrianisation of the bridge “could create a massive problem for traffic and for the safety of pedestrians”.

During the meeting, Cllr Derek Bastiman called the idea “nonsense” and said he feared it would cause “mayhem” for traffic and drivers in the town who may have no idea if the bridge was open to vehicles or not.

He added: “It is not going to improve the traffic in Whitby one iota.”

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In a statement released today, Cllr Plant said that he still had concerns but wanted to find a solution to traffic issues in the town.

He said: “With daytime visitor numbers increasing year on year, we have regularly had to close the Swing Bridge to traffic.

“In 2019, congestion during summer weekends and special events forced us to act, and the issue has been magnified due to social distancing concerns during the pandemic.

"I have raised my concerns and I want us all to work together sensibly to find a permanent solution.”

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The Whitby Town Deal Board was set up to oversee a bid for £25m from the Government for projects to boost skills and enterprise, sustainability, digital and transport connectivity, community well-being and to revitalise the economic prospects of Whitby.

It is made up of a wide range of groups including businesses, local councils and representative bodies.

Barry Harland, the vice-chairman of the deal board, said: “The Town Deal bid poses a major opportunity to secure Government money to invest in Whitby.

“This a small part of that overall proposal but one that, if successful, could deliver a better solution for the town, local people and visitors.

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“We welcome the county council’s ongoing engagement with people and businesses to get the best solution and ultimately see if this trial could work for the long-term.”

The county council is asking for the views of residents, businesses and other interested parties.

Any traffic restrictions would be introduced under an Experimental Traffic Order which allows the public to comment during the first six months and allows some flexibility in the restrictions as the trial is taking place.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, added: “We understand the importance of allowing traffic over the Swing Bridge, connecting the east and west sides of Whitby, but this has to be balanced with the needs of pedestrians at peak times of the day.

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“We must stress that this is a trial and, if granted, it would be reviewed at the end of 2021 before any decision was made to make it permanent.

"We would like to hear the views of residents, town centre retailers and businesses from both sides of the bridge, as well as the tourism and hospitality sectors.”

Click here for more information.

The deadline for comments at this initial stage is December 24.

More than 800 letters are to be sent addresses in Whitby town centre as well as statutory consultees.

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