Council will investigate concerns about a ‘dangerous’ park and ride service

CONCERNS about a park and ride service endangering pedestrians will be reviewed by a council

CONCERNS about a park and ride service endangering pedestrians will be reviewed by a council after concerns were raised in a North Yorkshire town.

Fears that Whitby’s park and ride service is “seriously endangering” pedestrians will be examined by North Yorkshire Council (NYC) after a motion was passed at a meeting on Tuesday night (July 28).

Cllr Trisha Kelly, a member of Whitby Town Council, said that the junction of Flowergate and Brunswick Street in Whitby was of particular concern and that the bus is currently “unable to manoeuvre” at the intersection without mounting the kerb.

This “seriously endangers those using the pavements”, she noted.

Arriva Yorkshire, which operates the park and ride service in cooperation with North Yorkshire Council, said it was aware of concerns.

The Corner Of Flowergate And Brunswick Street, Whitby. Google Maps

A spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We’re aware of this issue being raised by local councillors.

“Arriva operates this service under contract to North Yorkshire Council and we will work with the authority on any actions required following their assessment.”

At a full meeting of Whitby Town Council on July 28, councillors voted in favour of a motion calling on NYC to “review the route used by the park and ride double-decker bus”.

North Yorkshire Council’s head of transport services, Catherine Price, said: “The Whitby Park and Ride service, which is operated by ourselves in partnership with Arriva, is a well-used and important service that helps manage traffic and parking pressures while supporting access to the town for residents, businesses and visitors.”

Speaking to the LDRS, she added: “The park and ride season started in April and we are not aware of any complaints regarding how buses are navigating the junction of Flowergate and Brunswick Street. However, we will work with Arriva to review the concerns raised by Whitby Town Council.

“Public safety is at the forefront of our decision-making, and we are committed to working with our partners to ensure this vital service continues to operate safely and successfully for everyone’s benefit.”

Located at the A171 / B1460 junction North of Whitby, the park and ride site has 450 parking spaces.