CALLS have been made for urgent action on traffic in Malton and Norton in plans to resolve the traffic congestion and air pollution problems in the twin towns.

The scheme, including one-way routes and improved pedestrian and cycle access between the Malton and Norton, have been drafted by an independent town planner and submitted to the county and district councils consultation by Thirsk and Malton Liberal Democrats.

Di Keal, town and district councillor for Norton West, said: “The plans we are putting forward are based on residents’ comments as we believe local people know best as they live, work, walk, cycle and drive around Malton and Norton on a daily basis.

“The proposals put forward by the county and district councils have many positive ideas, but the consultation carried out with the local community was very limited.

“Our plans are based on conversations with local people. They are also cost effective and could be delivered quickly which is what the town needs before congestion gets even worse when the increased train service is delivered in 2019.

“While we support the increased train service planned by the rail operators which will dramatically improve public transport from Scarborough and Malton, we share local residents concerns that unless urgent action is taken the town could become gridlocked at peak times.”

Local businessman Steve Mason, who travels through the towns on a daily basis, said: “Malton’s motorists and pedestrians cannot wait while the county and district councils spend years considering plans and a fortune on consultants – we need action now if plans are to be in place before the train service increases next year.

“Our plans are simple, straightforward and do not have to cost a fortune – by introducing some limited one-way routes, changing back the priorities at the Norton level crossing/Church Street and Welham Road junction and improving pedestrian and cycle access, we can improve traffic flow and the experience of moving between Malton and Norton by car, by cycle or on foot.”

The plans being put forward could be delivered in two phases, with one-way proposals in

Norton Road and Castlegate being the first priority and a request for consideration of a one-way system in Norton at a later stage.

Thirsk and Malton Liberal Democrats are now calling for a meeting with officers at the district and county councils and their consultants WSP to discuss taking their proposals forward.

Cllr Keal added: “There seems to be no sense of urgency in dealing with the congestion and air pollution levels in Malton and Norton.

“This just isn’t good enough – the towns are building a reputation as a visitor destination, as last weeks hugely successful food festival illustrates, but no one want to sit in traffic for half an hour at a time to get into town.

“We are calling for bold, transformational thinking and urgent action on the towns traffic problems and are calling on local people to join our campaign for urgent action on this issue.”