A wide range of possible measures to ease congestion in Malton and Norton are being put before the public, ahead of a doubling of rail services through the twin-towns in 2019. An online consultation asks people to rate packages of potential measures, from a footbridge over the railway line that runs between Malton and Norton to future junction and parking changes, plus efforts to encourage people to make shorter journeys by foot and cycle.
Ryedale District Council and North Yorkshire County Council jointly appointed consultants, WSP, to consider a wide range of proposals to minimise the impacts of additional rail services passing through the towns – and help derive maximum benefits from the improved connections. Key organisations (including the two Town Councils, Network Rail, train operating companies, Malton and Norton Area Partnership and Action on Traffic Malton and Norton) were involved and their views taken into account in compiling the list of potential proposals. The online consultation lasts for 3 weeks from 25th April and can be seen at https://www.ryedale.gov.uk/malton-norton-traffic
The proposed measures includes “potential quick wins” that have the scope to be implemented in the next 18 months – such as pedestrian crossings, improved signage and linking the Butcher Corner lights to rail crossing closures. More substantial short, medium and long term interventions are also put forward, from coordinating bus services and rail services through to very costly measures such as a second platform at Malton Station and A64 junction improvements. The proposals will need further project development work to confirm their deliverability and likely costs and further funding will need to be identified to do this. Funding bids will then be submitted to help deliver the recommended measures.
Cllr Luke Ives, Ryedale District Council Chair of Policy & Resources, said
“Congestion is already a huge concern for people in Malton and Norton, and the doubling of train services in 2019 means there’s potential for the situation to get even worse.
It’s clear the road layout around the railway crossing continues to divide opinion, and while there’s no straightforward solution, we all agree that much more needs to be done to improve the flow of traffic. There are a number of ‘quick wins’ that could be implemented within a relatively short timeframe, such as signalling improvements to reduce barrier downtime.
This consultation is an opportunity for you to have your say on a wide range of proposals to reduce congestion. Ryedale District Council is committed to working in partnership with the County Council, and other partners, to urgently tackle the issue of congestion”
County Councillor Don Mackenzie, North Yorkshire County Council Executive Member for Access, said:
“Improving transport connections between the county’s towns and the wider region is a top priority, so the doubling in frequency of rail services is to be welcomed. However, we have to support this alongside measures to mitigate the impact of existing and future congestion on residents and businesses. To do so, it’s important not only to work with the District Council and other partners, but also to hear the views of people who live and work in the area.”
The consultation survey can be found on the District Council’s website https://www.ryedale.gov.uk/malton-norton-traffic and will be open for three weeks up until 12:00 midday on Wednesday 16th May.