Transport vision calls for better links to revive town's network

The first study of its kind has painted a worrying picture about the state of transport across the Harrogate district with a growing reliance on car travel because of poor bus and train connections.

Harrogate Council commissioned the research in the autumn last year in an attempt to pinpoint where investment is most urgently needed to bolster the district's transport links.

The results were published yesterday as councillors admitted that financial pressures brought about by the Government's swingeing public sector cutbacks could impinge even further on the millions of pounds needed for potential wide-scale improvements.

Council cabinet member for planning, transport and economic development Coun Don MacKenzie said: "We are very concerned about the state of the Harrogate district's transport infrastructure and improvements do need to be made.

"However, an awful lot of work has already been undertaken and this will continue to make sure we get the improvements that are required. There are issues about pollution and the wider economy that need to be addressed, and we will do all we can to make sure the money is made available to achieve this."

The study by consultants at ARUP identified a wide range of demands on the district's transport infrastructure, with many travellers making short but numerous journeys by car in the Harrogate and Knaresborough areas.

However, one of the greatest pressures is on travel in the district's often rural areas as public transport to more isolated communities is particularly poor.

The research also highlighted the demand for travel into "strategic locations" nearby such as Leeds, York and Bradford.

A particular importance has been placed on links via Leeds-Bradford airport, as many visitors arrive there before heading to Harrogate's multi-million pound conference industry.

The study has warned that problems are being compounded by heavy goods vehicles and congestion in Harrogate has led to "poor environmental conditions" at traffic blackspots, with increased air pollution.

The research set out measures which it claims will help ease the growing pressures on the Harrogate district's transport network.

Improvements to rail services have long been called for, and the study has identified a need for a comprehensive overhaul with a new interchange in Harrogate and a potential stop on the east of Knaresborough.

There is also an urgent need for more rail services to London, as well as improving connections to York to take advantage of the East Coast Main Line to the capital. A review of town centre parking could also see increased charges to dissuade travellers from using their own cars, while a need has been pinpointed for a series of park and ride sites for both bus and rail services.

The study has called for broadband internet to be introduced in all new homes to reduce the need for travel.

Cycle and walking networks need to be expanded to encourage a shift away from a reliance on short journeys by car, while the study has also called for major improvements to public transport to rural areas.

Transport links to market towns are also seen as vital to ensure a greater spread of prosperity across the district.

The Yorkshire Post revealed last month that an economic strategy revealed there are growing economic divisions between Harrogate itself and the district's market towns, including Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Knaresborough.