POLL: Congestion on Harrogate’s worst road
Traffic on Skipton Road. Picture: Steve Parsley (S)
Skipton Road in Harrogate has been named the UK’s second most congested road outside of London.
However, plans to build 210 new homes on the commuter route submitted this week have sparked fears it can only get worse.
Research by firm RAM Tracking revealed motorists using the road in rush hour can expect to travel at an average of 1.50mph, a figure which has come as no surprise to commuters and Harrogate politicians, who believe the plans to build houses on the busy route could see the road top future congestion tables.
Developers are proposing to build 210 homes on a 60 acre site opposite the Jennyfield estate on Skipton Road, land which falls under the Local Development Framework plan.
North Yorkshire County Councillor for Saltergate Don Mackenzie said: “In the same week the planning application was received for 210 homes, we are being informed that Skipton Road is one of the most congested in the country.
“This reinforces the view that unless we do something, it could become the most congested road outside of London.
“I am very anxious to see a major investment in infrastructure. I believe we are at the start of a very long campaign now.”
Harrogate Borough Councillor for Saltergate Steven Jackson added: “The survey couldn’t have come at a better time. We need people to sit up and take notice that it will be madness to put 210 houses in the area where we have a traffic problem as it is.”
Commuters had their say via Twitter. @cromers posted: “You have to factor in an extra 1/2 hour journey time just to get out of Harrogate. Relatives & visitors always complaining.”
@eletharrogate said: “Have to say busy periods seem to be extending outside the traditional rush hour. The weekends seem just as bad these days.”
Full information on the country’s most congested roads is available at www.ramtracking.com/rush-hour-traffic-in-the-uk.html
l Do you use the road? Let us know your response to the findings by tweeting @HarrogateHound or send an email to ackrill.news@ypn.co.uk
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Harrogate
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
