Calls to tackle 'relentless' traffic jams in town

Residents have complained about "relentless" traffic jams in Beverley.

They said gas works in Flemingate, along with a project around Lincoln Way and Minster Way, were contributing to congestion and delays.

Councillor Tom Astell said motorists had "been left to sit in gridlock" due to poor planning and called on East Riding of Yorkshire Council to do more to manage the situation.

Northern Gas Networks, which is behind the Flemingate work, said the road closure would be lifted on Wednesday, while the council said planned roadworks were managed to "minimise disruption and congestion".

Praveen Bharathi, who lives in the town, said it was taking him more than half-an-hour to drive the one-and-a-half miles to drop his children off at school.

Another resident, Helena Wilson said she preferred to walk around town to avoid sitting in "relentless traffic jams".

"There's just never an end to it, it's all over Beverley. Wherever you go, you need to add an extra half-hour on to your journey to tackle the traffic," Ms Wilson said.

Improvements to infrastructure were not keeping up with the pace of development in the town, she added.

Alice Dorsey said she was annoyed about repeated roadworks on Flemingate in recent months.

"My husband wants to go to the doctors tomorrow and he either has to park ages away and walk or make other arrangements to avoid being involved in all the traffic," she said.

Some councillors have called for better co-ordination between agencies to prevent "unnecessary gridlock", as well as long-term solutions to improve traffic flow.

Astell argued residents had been let down by "poor planning".

Referring to Flemingate, he said: "It's not acceptable, but the issue isn't just the gas works, it's the failure to manage the impact."

Northern Gas Networks apologised for disruption caused by the Flemingate repairs and said the work would resume later this year.

"The gas pipe has undergone several repairs over the last few years, so in order to minimise any future inconvenience for customers, it will be replaced later this summer," the company said.

"We'll be working closely with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to plan this project, and ensure customers are kept informed well in advance of any work starting."

The work around Lincoln Way and Minster Way is due to be completed by 12 July, while the wider A164 Jock's Lodge scheme is due to continue into next year.

The council said it appreciated how "emergency roadworks", including repairs to the Flemingate gas leak, could cause disruption, "but they can't be anticipated and are unavoidable".

A spokesperson added: "For all regular planned roadworks, the council manages and co-ordinates schemes to ensure work is scheduled to minimise disruption and congestion.

"We monitor the traffic conditions and work with companies to make adjustments where necessary.

"We strive to provide clear communication and alternative access routes wherever possible."

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