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The 26 Congestion Study Options

There are two packages (B & E) under consideration, each having a different combination of proposed options to address traffic congestion in Harrogate. 

Package B

 

This has 23 options which can be categorised into seven discrete groups; Information Provision; Demand Management; Highways; Parking; Public Transport and Cycling and Walking.

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Options marked with a (*) are common to Packages B and E.

​INFORMATION PROVISION

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Variable Message Signs*

Informing travellers of conditions on the transport network in order to influence travel behaviour.

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Real Time Passenger Information*

Availability of real time public transport arrival and departure information via a variety of sources including mobile apps and automated public address systems.


Area wide signage strategy*

A complete re-evaluation of signage to ensure consistency and clarity, aid orientation and encourage use of the most appropriate routes for e.g. cycles, cars and lorries.


Publicity campaigns for sustainable transport

These could include provision of information, subsidies, prize draws, challenges (e.g. walking/cycling to school/work) and preferential parking for more sustainable vehicles.


Improved digital provision

Further developing the existing 'Open Harrogate' app. Also intuitive journey planner tools emphasising the environmental, financial and health benefits of sustainable travel.


Personalised journey
Aiming to tackle the preference for driving by providing clear information, advice and motivation to use sustainable modes of travel.

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DEMAND MANAGEMENT


Extend pedestrianisation of Harrogate central core*

Prioritising pedestrian movements within the central core of Harrogate, potentially in peak time only, using rising bollards.


Congestion charge / low emission zone

Minimising the number of vehicles accessing the town centre, especially HGVs.


Area wide travel planning

Aimed at organisations and events that attract a high volume of traffic to the area, including large employers, educational establishments and  events such as the Great Yorkshire Show.


HGV ban / loading restrictions*

Restrictions on when and where HGVs can travel during peak hours, aiming to ease peak traffic pressure, improve air quality and potentially spread the peak of HGV traffic through the day.


20 mph speed limits / zones*

Improve safety and also improve perception of safety to those not using motorised transport, encouraging a modal shift to sustainable modes of transport.


Car sharing

Retaining the benefits of car travel for those that need it but with greater efficiency regarding cost and use of road space.


Car clubs (electric vehicles)

Allowing the convenience of car use without the expense of ownership. If the expense of ownership has not been committed to, there is likely to be a greater incentive to consider sustainable alternative modes of travel.


Work with schools to ameliorate the impact of school run
Facilitation of sustainable modes of travel to school through education and school based challenges. Strategies could also include staggering school times.


HIGHWAYS

 

Network optimisation

Improving flow at junctions by ensuring each junction has the most efficient means of control (e.g. after many years of light controls it is now evident that Bond End in Knaresborough is best served by roundabouts), ensuring traffic lights are smart and settings are optimal and use of some restrictions on vehicle types.


Area wide signal strategy review

Aiming to improve the “green wave” traffic light effect on major routes and also prioritise public transport vehicles.


Reallocation of road space*
To encourage the shift to non-motorised forms of transport by making such journeys easier and safer.

 

PARKING


Area wide car parking strategy*
Reduction in supply and/or increase in cost of parking will make it more attractive to use alternatives to the private car.


PUBLIC TRANSPORT

 

Bus / rail interchange development and public realm improvements*

A fully integrated and modern rail and bus station with easier and more attractive pedestrian access could do a lot to influence choice of travel to the town for locals and visitors alike.


Sustainable transport options for new developments

Designing sustainable travel options into all new developments will make it a much easier option for residents and thus reduce car dependency.


Improved access to rail stations*

Improving access for those on foot and on bike (e.g. better cycle storage and provision of changing facilities) will reduce the need to drive to stations. Conversely, adequate provision of parking may encourage train use for most of a journey previously undertaken entirely by car.

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CYCLING AND WALKING

 

Cycling infrastructure plan*
Improvements to infrastructure and training to help make cycling the natural choice for shorter journeys.


Area wide public realm strategy*

A coordinated approach to ensure public spaces bring maximum benefits to residents, businesses and visitors and encourage walking and cycling for shorter trips. The aim would be to change from a vehicle dominated environment to one prioritising pedestrians, to enhance health and increase the attractiveness of the town.

Package E

 

This has 15 options, of which 12 are common to Package B, which means there are 3 additional options and 11 excluded from those in Package B .

Additional Options

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HIGHWAYS

 

Relief Road options

Three relief road options remain under consideration, these being the inner north, the inner south with a link to Bilton Lane and the inner south without a link to Bilton Lane.

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PUBLIC TRANSPORT

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Park and Ride
Aiming to reduce the flow of traffic within the town by providing an incentive to park out of town. 

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Bus priority on key routes

To improve the efficiency and reliability of bus services, thus making bus travel more attractive. 

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Options which are in Package B but excluded from Package E

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Publicity campaigns for sustainable transport

These could include provision of information, subsidies, prize draws, challenges (e.g. walking/cycling to school/work) and preferential parking for more sustainable vehicles.


Improved digital provision

Further developing the existing 'Open Harrogate' app. Also intuitive journey planner tools emphasising the environmental, financial and health benefits of sustainable travel.


Personalised journey
Aiming to tackle the preference for driving by providing clear information, advice and motivation to use sustainable modes of travel.


Congestion charge / low emission zone

Minimising the number of vehicles accessing the town centre, especially HGVs.


Area wide travel planning

Aimed at organisations and events that attract a high volume of traffic to the area, including large employers, educational establishments and  events such as the Great Yorkshire Show.

​

Sustainable transport options for new developments

Designing sustainable travel options into all new developments will make it a much easier option for residents and thus reduce car dependency.


Car sharing

Retaining the benefits of car travel for those that need it but with greater efficiency regarding cost and use of road space.


Car clubs (electric vehicles)

Allowing the convenience of car use without the expense of ownership. If the expense of ownership has not been committed to, there is likely to be a greater incentive to consider sustainable alternative modes of travel.


Work with schools to ameliorate the impact of school run
Facilitation of sustainable modes of travel to school through education and school based challenges. Strategies could also include staggering school times.


Network optimisation

Improving flow at junctions by ensuring each junction has the most efficient means of control (e.g. after many years of light controls it is now evident that Bond End in Knaresborough is best served by roundabouts), ensuring traffic lights are smart and settings are optimal and use of some restrictions on vehicle types.


Area wide signal strategy review

Aiming to improve the “green wave” traffic light effect on major routes and also prioritise public transport vehicles.

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