A CAMPAIGNER has reacted angrily to further delays to plans to ban lorries from the level crossing in Norton.

The proposal to ban vehicles over 7.5 tonnes from the crossing, effectively forcing them to use the A64 bypass, was agreed by North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) last December.

The agreed order was for the ban to be trialled for 18 months and was initially expected to be implemented last spring.

However, council officials have now said they hope to start the restrictions in the new year.

Simon Thackray, from Brawby, who had been due to ask a question about the ban at the cancelled Ryedale Area Committee, said: “I am sick and tired of battling through the cloud of excuses that belch from the NYCC smoke machine. It is not a complicated task to design and order signs that read, 'No HGVs except permit holders' or similar, and put them up. NYCC should cut the waffling and get on with the job."

He added: “We have been waiting for five years for the HGV restriction to be implemented and the farce continues.

“The residents of Malton, deserve better protection from the harm to health caused by inhaling nitrogen dioxide and other particulate matter, engine soot. The HGV restriction is a potential life-saver and NYCC should act without further delay.”

A North Yorkshire County Council spokesman said: “Work to introduce the experimental prohibition of heavy commercial vehicles on County Bridge is continuing. We are working to ensure that the restriction is adequately signposted on the approaches.

“There will be new signs throughout both towns and on the A64. As the A64 is a trunk road, the proposed signs on it will need to be agreed with Highways England, which manages and maintains the road.

“ Discussions with them and their agents are continuing, as they are with Network Rail for the sign next to the level crossing.

“The experimental restriction will be in place for 18 months and it is hoped it will start early next year.’’