Here in Bishopthorpe we know the weight restrictions on Appleton Road bridge have improved our lives with the reduction in HGV traffic. The bridge is in the process of being repaired which when complete will unfortunately likely result in the return of HGVs. However fundamentally our roads are just not designed to take such large vehicles and a solution must be found to hauliers locating themselves in the likes of Acaster airfield where they can only access a main road by going through small villages.
Cllr Michael Nicholls raised the issue at the recent City of York Full Council meeting and suggested that the types of industrial units which encourage HGV should be adjacent to motorway junctions to stop the need to travel through villages such as Bishopthorpe, Acaster Malbis and Copmanthorpe. Cllr Nicholls highlighted just how dangerous local roads can become, particularly for elderly residents and from his own experience of walking his daughter to school.
In response, the Executive Member for Transport, Cllr Ravilious agreed it was not appropriate for large HGVs to travel through these villages. In the short term we plan to look at measures to help people feel safe walking and cycling to school or local services. It was agreed that Cllr Ravilious, along with council officers would visit the villages affected to look at what action can be taken longer term to discourage this type of traffic as part of the Council Movement and Place plans.
Cllr Nicholls was encouraged by the reply and will work with villagers to produce suggestions that can be considered.
