WHITBY Swing Bridge is to be closed to vehicles for safety on weekends during the summer school holidays.

Traffic on the bridge is controlled by traffic signals, but during busy times the large number of pedestrians crossing means people often spill into the road, leading to concerns for safety.

In the past couple of years, North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) has closed the swing bridge to traffic during busy weekends on the advice of the local police to keep pedestrians safe.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, the county’s executive member for access, said: “Taking the decision in advance to close the bridge at peak times that we know are likely to be busy gives certainty and consistency to visitors, regular users of the bridge and businesses in the area.”

The closures will continue until September 1 and will be between 10.30am and 6.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

They will be extended to include the Bank Holiday Monday in August and closures may be in place for major events outside this period, as in recent years.

A signed diversion will be in place. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.