TRAFFIC campaigners have reacted to a new consultation on reducing congestion in Malton and Norton.

Ryedale District Council (RDC) and North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) launched the consultation last week to consider a wide range of proposals to minimise the impacts of additional rail services passing through the towns from 2019.

“Quick wins”, which could be brought in within 18 months, include linking traffic lights at Butcher Corner to level crossing times, as well as a new pedestrian crossing near the railway and bus stations. Longer term solutions could include everything from a new A64 junction at Broughton Road, co-ordinating bus and train timetables and even building a second platform at Malton Station. People are being asked to rate different potential measures - including a footbridge over the railway line, junction and parking changes, and efforts to get more people walking and cycling around the towns.

Di Keal, Ryedale District and town councillor for Norton West said: “While I welcome the fact that the district and county council is consulting on these potential measures to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and improve air quality in Malton and Norton, these proposals have been on the table for around two years and what we really need to see now is action rather than further discussion and prevarication.”

Norton county councillor Keane Duncan said: “This is probably the most ambitious traffic study in our towns’ history. It will be our guide for many years to come. It is vital as many people have their say as possible and we find the right options for our future connectivity.

“But not only do we need the right list of options on paper, we need a massive drive towards securing their reality.”

The consultation survey can be found at ryedale.gov.uk/malton-norton-traffic and will be open until noon on May 16.