An old by-law could be used to restrict vehicle use and car parking on Whitby's promenade and seawall.
Proposals to restrict parking and vehicle access to the Promenade and Seawall have been made due to safety concerns following an increase in traffic and parking in the area.
Council plans to introduce a traffic regulation order on the land have been resisted by fishermen and jet ski users.
But now North Yorkshire Council says it might be possible to use an old existing by-law to manage the situation.
Richard Marr is the Council's transport manager for Whitby.
North Yorkshire Council was hoping to introduce a traffic restriction order on the land in November, but has been advised it would need to carry out a consultation first.
It's now emerged that an existing by-law might be able to be used to manage access to the land
Whitby Councillor - Phil Trumper - says it's a complicated situation.
Local Councillor - David Chance - says the by-law goes back a number of decades.
The by-law regulates traffic on the promenade to prevent danger, obstruction, or annoyance to those using it.
There are some challenges in implementing these restrictions, however. The by-law was not previously enforced, and the reasons for this are being investigated. There is also some debate about who has the authority to enforce it.
While the legality and practicality of enforcing the by-law are being examined, the council is also pursuing a longer-term solution in the form of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).
Implementing a TRO is a more complex process, involving consultation and legal procedures, and could take up to 12 months. However, it is considered a more robust legal solution than the by-law.
The potential restrictions face pushback from groups such as jet skiers and fishermen who currently use the promenade and seawall for access. The closure of the cliff lift has further complicated the issue, leading to increased vehicle traffic on the seawall.
Councillor Chance has highlighted several issues related to the lack of enforcement of existing regulations, including:
- Vehicles driving dangerously on the seawall, putting pedestrians at risk.
- Motorhomes parking on the seawall and improperly disposing of waste.
- Jet skis launching from the slipway, despite this being prohibited.
Members of North Yorkshire Council's Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee have expressed a strong desire to address these issues and implement restrictions as quickly as possible. It has been requested that the council provide a written report on the matter and update the committee on their progress in November.
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