Whitby Swing Bridge Could be Pedestrianised

A trial pedestrianisation of Whitby Swing Bridge is being proposed as part of an ambitious new project to enhance the economy and tourism in the town.

If approved, the Swing Bridge would be closed to traffic between 10.30am and 4pm daily for a trial period starting in April 2021.

The experimental order would see the Swing Bridge and Grape Lane pedestrianised. New Quay Road, St Ann's Staith, Haggersgate, Pier Road and Khyber Pass would become access only zones between these times.

The Whitby Town Deal Board has secured £400,000 of fast-track Government funding to pay for the infrastructure needed to carry out the trial which would be implemented by North Yorkshire County Council highways team.

A key element of the scheme would be to provide signs advising of the trial and redirecting traffic approaching the town centre, replacing the temporary signage that is currently used for closures.

The Board was set up to oversee a bid for £25m from the Government for projects to boost skills and enterprise, sustainability, digital and transport connectivity, community well-being and to revitalise the economic prospects of Whitby. It is made up of a wide range of groups including businesses, local councils and representative bodies.

Councillor Joe Plant, who represents Whitby Streonshalh, said:

“With daytime visitor numbers increasing year on year, we have regularly had to close the Swing Bridge to traffic.

“In 2019, congestion during summer weekends and special events forced us to act, and the issue has been magnified due to social distancing concerns during the pandemic. I have raised my concerns and I want us all to work together sensibly to find a permanent solution.”

Barry Harland, who is Vice Chair of the Board, said:

“The Town Deal bid poses a major opportunity to secure Government money to invest in Whitby. This a small part of that overall proposal but one that, if successful, could deliver a better solution for the town, local people and visitors.

“We welcome the County Council’s ongoing engagement with people and businesses to get the best solution and ultimately see if this trial could work for the long-term.”

The County Council is asking for the views of residents, businesses and other interested parties. Any traffic restrictions would be introduced under an Experimental Traffic Order which allows the public to comment during the first six months and allows some flexibility in the restrictions as the trial is taking place.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said:

“We understand the importance of allowing traffic over the Swing Bridge, connecting the east and west sides of Whitby, but this has to be balanced with the needs of pedestrians at peak times of the day.

“We must stress that this is a trial and, if granted, it would be reviewed at the end of 2021 before any decision was made to make it permanent. We would like to hear the views of residents, town centre retailers and businesses from both sides of the bridge, as well as the tourism and hospitality sectors.”  

The proposal

What?

A trial scheme which would see traffic prohibited from using the swing bridge during the hours of 10:30am to 4:00pm every day. This would mimic what happens already on busy weekends throughout the summer.

Signs would be installed on the approaches to the town centre to inform drivers that the swing bridge is unavailable to all traffic, and that casual traffic will not be allowed on New Quay Road, St Ann’s Staith, Pier Road, Haggersgate and Khyber Pass between the hours of 10:30am and 4:00pm.

For traffic that needs to access lower Church Street during the hours when the swing bridge is closed, a temporary new turning point / roundabout would be created to allow buses and other vehicles to turn around. The turning area would be within the Tin Ghaut permit holders’ car park. Engagement with permit holders is being carried out by Scarborough Borough Council and alternative parking locations for them nearby will be offered before any changes are made to the car park. Access to Upper Church Street would be unchanged.

As the proposed restrictions on New Quay Road would be ‘except for access’ this means businesses would still be able to receive deliveries, residents and holiday home guests would be able to access their properties and blue badge holders would be able to access disabled parking bays on New Quay Road, St Ann’s Staith, Pier Road and Khyber Pass. Taxi’s will be able to continue using the rank on New Quay Road as they do now.  No vehicles would be permitted over the swing bridge or along Grape Lane between 10:30am and 4:00pm each day. Emergency service vehicles would be exempt from all restrictions.

Why?

The aim of the trial is to see if a better, more efficient and elegant system for the management of traffic on the swing bridge that is more befitting of Whitby’s status could benefit the town, local people and visitors.

Where?

The proposals affect Whitby swing bridge, Grape Lane, New Quay Road, St Ann’s Staith, Pier Road, Haggersgate and Khyber Pass between the hours of 10:30am and 4:00pm.

Drivers would have the opportunity to turn around at Langborne Road roundabout or a new turning area at Tin Ghaut car park, if they have missed the signs informing them of the restrictions.  However, we are planning very clear, noticeable signs that we would anticipate drivers would see and take heed of. 

When?

It's planned that the trial starts in April 2021 and runs until December 2021, although it may end before that date.

How?

If approved, the trial would need to start in April 2021, as this is a condition of the funding. During the first six months of the trial, anyone can send their comments to the local highways office at Whitby and, if necessary, changes to the restrictions can be made and the trial continued with, or ended early.

Flexibility

The council say "It’s important to stress the trial nature of this experiment. Ultimately, everyone wants what’s best for Whitby – a solution that is safe and works for residents and visitors alike". Importantly, if it is not successful then the project can be stopped. Furthermore, even in this situation, the funding will have paid for better infrastructure (new signage etc) that will be a benefit to the normal situation.   

Other considerations

The council say that as concerns have been expressed that more restrictions may result in parking issues in streets just outside the current Whitby disc parking zone, alongside the trial, they will be consulting with local residents and businesses on possible extensions of the zone to cover the Fishburn Park and Ropery/St Mary’s Crescent areas.

At town centre locations, including Spital Bridge junction, the council say they are already measuring traffic movements and will continue to actively monitor the traffic levels once the trial is in place. If the trial is successful and the additional funding from the Town Deal is secured, it may well be possible to redesign Spittal Bridge junction to assist traffic turning to and from the main road.

Conclusion of trial

The council say they intend to start the formal review of the trial around December 2021, unless the experiment ends earlier than that. A written report containing all comments received would be prepared so that a formal decision could be taken on whether to make the arrangements permanent, alter the arrangements following feedback and continue with a further trial period, or remove the trial and not progress the scheme any further. 

Experimental Order

At present, it is planned that the effect of the Experimental Order would be as follows;

1. St Ann's Staith, Haggersgate, Pier Road and Khyber Pass -  the existing seasonal ‘access only’ experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO), prohibiting all vehicles except for access between 10:30am and 4:00pm, is proposed to be amended to everyday for the duration of the experiment.   Access would be allowed, as it is now, for taxi's & emergency vehicles, and for residents of properties and businesses that can only be accessed using St Ann’s Staith.  Blue badge holders would be able to access the disabled parking bays on St Ann’s Staith, Pier Road and Khyber Pass.
2. New Quay Road – proposed new ‘access only’ ETRO prohibiting all vehicles except for access between 10:30am and 4:00pm every day for the duration of the experiment.  Access would be allowed for taxi's & emergency vehicles, and for residents of properties and businesses that can only be accessed using New Quay Road.  Blue badge holders would be able to access the disabled parking bays on New Quay Road.
3. Swing Bridge - proposed  ‘pedestrian zone’ ETRO, prohibiting all vehicles between 10:30am and  4:00pm everyday for the duration of the experiment.  It is proposed the swing bridge pedestrian zone would be enforced by automatic number plate recognition cameras, making it possible to issue a penalty to vehicles entering this zone during the restricted hours.
4. Grape Lane – proposed ‘pedestrian zone’ ETRO, prohibiting all vehicles between 10:30am and 4:00pm everyday for the duration of the experiment.

The deadline for comments at this initial stage is December 24. To register your views email Area3.whitby@northyorks.gov.uk or post to North Yorkshire County Council, Whitby Highways Office, Discovery Way, Whitby, YO22 4PZ.

Over 800 letters are on their way to addresses in Whitby town centre as well as the usual statutory consultees. For those unable to view online and who wish to receive a paper copy in the post, please contact the customer resolution centre on 01609 780780.