Cautious backing for Otley HGV plans

11.52.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Jul 2008

Liberal Democrat councillor Colin Campbell (Otley and Yeadon) has given a guarded welcome to a paper that is going before Leeds City Council's Executive Board later this week. The paper sets out proposals for managing the flow of HGVs through Otley.

HGV traffic has long been a contentious issue in Otley. It disrupts pedestrian access to the town centre, clogs up local roads and is potentially dangerous both to pedestrians and other road users. A Leeds City Council instigated traffic survey recorded 800 HGV movements through the town, highlighting the concern of residents.

It is now proposed that one-way traffic restrictions are put in place to the north of Otley, thereby limiting the flow of quarry related HGVs through the town and making the area more pleasant for both visitors and residents.

Speaking about the proposals, Cllr Campbell said:

"I am glad that a decision is close to being made on HGV traffic in Otley. Due to the complex issues it has been a long time coming.

"I am however disappointed that the council is unable , at this time, to support a total ban. Despite a strong local opposition, North Yorkshire County Council continues to oppose any proposals to protect Otley residents from quarry traffic. I appreciate that because of this any proposals will be open to challenge. I would however call on North Yorkshire not to oppose the restrictions and give some relief to Otley.

"This will always be a sensitive issue and I welcome the fact that Leeds City Council have not closed the door on further restrictions with their commitment to review the situation again in the future."