Norton Road (Blackboards) made one way permanently

North Yorkshire Council (NYC) has made Norton Road, know as blackboards, in Norton, one-way following a trial period which monitored the effect of traffic else where and gave the public an opportunity to give their views.

Traffic will only be permitted from the railway level crossing towards Asda supermarket.

Dismountable bollards, which can be removed during flooding incidents, have been in place for some months.

County Councillor Keane Duncan, who represents Norton said: ““It’s fair to say that the one way system on Norton Road has divided opinion, however it has achieved positive road safety improvements at this busy junction.

“Motorists previously had very poor visibility when manoeuvring out and it could be perilous for pedestrians to cross when there were two lanes of traffic.

“While there are standalone safety benefits, the one way was always intended to be part of a much wider traffic scheme to improve safety and cut congestion at the level crossing junction.

“I have spent a decade pushing for these improvements since the road priorities were changed without warning or consultation with the public. It’s immensely frustrating that this scheme has still not been implemented all these years on.

“The fact this wider scheme can not yet be brought forwards creates a scenario whereby the one system that was introduced in a trial basis would need to be removed after the 18-month period. This is the maximum length a one way can be introduced under a temporary traffic regulation order.

“This would have been immensely confusing and disruptive for residents. So I welcome the fact that the one way has now been formalised by way of a permanent traffic regulation order.

“Permanent in this context simply means that the one way can stay in place longer than 18 months. I feel strongly that its effectiveness should then be reviewed in the context of the wider scheme for this area, which I hope will be progressed by the council.

“In the meantime, I am calling for the council to fix the missing bollards as these are sadly blighting this key corridor between the two towns.

“These dismountable bollards are key to ensuring that during necessary closures of County Bridge during flood events the road can be temporarily opened to two way traffic.”

A spokesperson for NYC said Norton Road, Norton-on-Derwent, became one-way from November 13.

“Traffic will only be permitted to travel East to West. The order, made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

“A copy of the order and a map of the affected area can be viewed at County Hall, Northallerton, and at Norton Library, 86 Commercial Street, Malton, during normal office hours until December 16.”