Criticism as latest set of temporary traffic lights 'spring up' on Harrogate's Knaresborough Road
Harrogate drivers attempting to use a main road were hit by new roadworks last night.
Delays of up to 20 minutes were reported when the temporary traffic lights appeared at 8pm at the junction of Forest Lane, Bogs Lane and Starbeck High Street.
Some motorists told the Harrogate Advertiser the road disruption on this busy route between Harrogate and Knaresborough had taken them by surprise.
Harrogate Town Council councillors and some county councillors have criticised traffic management by North Yorkshire Council and the impact of repeated roadworks on key roads.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has long been critical of the prolonged road closures and what he says is the uncoordinated nature of the work carried out by utility companies.
"The situation in Harrogate, where we have had multiple routes disrupted at once, is unacceptable in a town already blighted by congestion,” said Mr Gordon.
"It’s long overdue for North Yorkshire Council to take responsibility, enforce the rules properly, and show real leadership.
“It needs to ensure that the process for permitting roadworks and scheduling them is transparent, so that residents can see what is going to happen and when."
The MP adds that simultaneous roadworks disruptions create unacceptable gridlock and harm the local economy.
Earlier this year, North Yorkshire Council won permission from the Department of Transport to introduce a lane rental scheme to charge utility companies for carrying out roadworks on key roads during the busiest times of the day.
Under the scheme, companies would incur daily fees of up to £2,500 for undertaking maintenance work at peak times.
North Yorkshire Council has also established a Harrogate Road Work Communication Group, which met for the first time in March.
Chaired by NYC officers and attended by communications leads from local utility companies, the council says the group’s aim is to strengthen how information about roadworks is shared with the public.
Meetings take place quarterly, with key updates distributed to councillors and stakeholders.
But motorists in Harrogate might argue they have yet to see any difference on the ground as they try to make their way round town.