Letter: Pedestrians - Councils need to show kindness

That’s a good start to the new year and who could disagree with the aspiration?

However – North Yorkshire County Council (and Harrogate Borough Council) could focus on two big wins in this regard, and make a huge difference to people’s lives.

I am thinking of how people – pedestrians - are treated disrespectfully by those who plan transport in our area.

As I walk up narrow Knaresborough High Street, huge trucks thunder past, inches from me.

When I have kids with me or a dog, I feel stressed by the proximity of death or injury from these vehicles.

So step one would be to prioritise pedestrians and reduce traffic speeds accordingly on many more roads.

Step two would be to stop ‘passing the buck’ on the bus issue due to the current ideology which sits back and leaves decisions to the service providers.

Bus transport must be taken in hand by NYCC/HBC: make bus travel much easier and pleasanter by, for example, erecting shelters with seats, proper readable information (it’s too small and not lit at night), and a bus service which is responsive in this age of instant communication for those who live off the beaten track.

And of course buses through built up areas should all be electric by now.

There is plenty of kindness between individuals – we need to see more from the ‘authorities’.

Shan Oakes

Harrogate and District Green Party
Knaresborough