22 AUGUST 2007:  WORK will start in the next two weeks on two experimental traffic schemes before the autumn school term begins. The two schemes are aimed at relieving traffic congestion during weekday peak periods.

 

Both schemes are being trialled in response to road users' concerns.

 

Alterations to the traffic lights at the junction of Arthurs Avenue/Otley Road and Cold Bath Road will introduce a short period when the opposing traffic flow from Cold Bath Road will continue to be held on a red signal after Arthurs Avenue receives a green signal, to assist those who are turning right out of Arthurs Avenue.

 

This arrangement will only operate during 'school' periods when traffic on Arthurs Avenue is particularly heavy because of the junction's proximity to Harrogate Grammar School.

 

The second involves changes to priority arrangements at the Follifoot Road/Drury Lane junction to assist motorists turning left out of Drury Lane.  The road markings and traffic signs will be adjusted to favour Drury Lane traffic.

 

Motorists are requested to take extra care at these junctions.

 

Harrogate Borough Council's highway officers will monitor the affect of both experiments using the CCTV cameras that are already in place at the two junctions.  The experiment will be in place for three months and comments on the measures will be welcomed from the general public before a final decision is taken to make the arrangements permanent or revert to the current arrangements.

 

The costs involved in implementing the experimental arrangements are very small and both measures can be reversed very quickly if unforeseen complications arise. ENDS