NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL

 

21 MAY 2025

 

STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION

 

Kex Gill

 

April has been a transformative month for our most ambitious ever highways project, as the continued dry weather has enabled us to make substantial progress towards achieving our targets. This has allowed us to get the earthworks back on schedule, a welcome outcome considering the weather challenges we've faced over the winter.

 

Preparation work at both the east and west tie-in points of the existing A59 has also commenced, a visible sign of progress to passersby.

 

Construction on the new structures has been in full swing throughout April. One notable highlight is the installation of natural stone cladding around a key culvert on site, offering an exciting glimpse of how the final design will look upon completion. This progress reinforces our commitment to creating not only functional infrastructure but also aesthetically-pleasing structures.

 

As we move further into spring, the fish spawning season is nearing its conclusion, which will allow us to accelerate work within the watercourse. However, we are now entering bird nesting season, and our ecologists are actively monitoring ground-nesting birds. Efforts are under way to discourage them from establishing nests in areas designated for active work, ensuring we comply with environmental guidelines.

 

It is important to note that while we have made strides forward, the project’s budget is facing significant pressure. A report will be presented to the Executive on 13 May, seeking the release of extra budget to accommodate necessary design changes and the need to move unsuitable material off-site, which has added unforeseen costs to our operations.

 

In summary, while challenges remain, we are optimistic about our momentum and the steps taken to enhance both the quality and pace of construction at Kex Gill.

 

End of Winter

 

The first week in January saw a weather event that affected the whole of North Yorkshire, and in some locations the impact lasted for some two weeks with widespread snowfall followed by extensive sub-zero road surface and air temperatures down to as low as minus 10ºC in some locations creating challenging conditions in both rural and urban settings.

 

The scale and nature of this weather event was the first of its kind for around seven seasons, with comparatively warmer and wetter winters more the norm in recent years and with a trend for the impact of any snowfall to be less extensive and much more transient.

 

A review of our response to the January 2025 event is under way. I invited all councillors to share their feedback. This saw a cross-party response and I thank colleagues for their input. All comments received will feature in a report to July’s TEEEO&S Scrutiny Committee. The report also features potential steps to improve our winter response now we are a unitary authority. Following consideration by scrutiny, formal recommendations will be made for consideration at an executive member meeting.

 

Surface Dressing

 

Warmer temperatures have enabled the start of our annual surface dressing programme, which got under way on 2 April, starting with sites in the Selby area.

 

This quick, efficient and cost-effective way of maintaining skid-resistant and waterproofing road surfaces helps prevent potholes and can extend the life of a road by up to ten years.

 

Progress has been good overall, with the spell of dry weather during April resulting in only a few changes to programmed dates and downtime kept to a minimum. As always, sites are coordinated with other works on the highway network to avoid clashes and minimise disruption.  The surface dressing programme will continue throughout May and is currently scheduled to be completed in the middle of June.

 

Getting Ready for Summer

 

Spring represents a busy time for the Parks and Grounds service with the extensive programme of winter works, such as hedge trimming, cleaning and tidying coming to a close and our regular grass cutting teams in action.

 

The relatively dry and bright weather has seen our winter bedding displays look their very best over the past few weeks. As we move through May these will gradually be replaced with the summer displays, many of which are provided from our horticultural nursery.

 

The summer months will see many local events take place across our parks and open spaces – from fun runs to food and drink festivals. These are all carefully assessed to ensure they are appropriate for the location and teams right across the council work together to ensure they are safe and enjoyable for all.

 

Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)

 

In Skipton, progress continues on the towpath improvements between the Railway Station and Craven College. NY Highways are contracted to deliver these works, and the schedule is being met to meet the programme dates.

 

In Selby, we are currently in the process of tender pricing, focusing on achieving the best value for the scheme. Stakeholder feedback is being actively incorporated into our plans wherever feasible, ensuring that community needs are met.

 

In Harrogate, NY Highways plan to deliver this scheme. The project team is carefully evaluating the design and methodology to maximise value while limiting disruption. A legal challenge has been initiated concerning the Traffic Regulation Orders for this scheme, and a court hearing was held on 24/25 April. We await a judgement.

 

Parking

 

We have a number of transformation projects under way relating to parking. These projects are part of the largest investment by the council into parking infrastructure – a total of £2.4m.

 

The Machine Replacement Programme is a key part of this investment. We have approved the replacement of all ticket machines across the county. Most are approaching the end of their operational life. Some are over 20 years old. The essential upgrade will not only avoid breakdowns but improve the experience for users. For the first time, wherever you park in North Yorkshire, you will be able to pay by cash, card and app. What is more, the new

 

machines will be easier to use, with brighter displays and clearer instructions. They will also be ticketless, which is good for the environment. And most importantly, the new machines will contribute to savings of £587k. It is intended that all the new machines will be live by the end of March 2026.

 

An additional £400,000 has been allocated to upgrading car park lighting. There are a number of car parks which still have some old sodium lighting and our aim is to convert these to new, more efficient LED ones. The old lamp heads burn through 150 watts of energy whilst the new LED lights only use 80 watts of power, thereby creating further savings and contributing to the council’s environmental priorities. The lighting upgrade represents a key improvement to safety and security.

 

We are also upgrading our notices and permit system, digitising these to ensure the system is more efficient and easier to use. We are also switching to a digital system for traffic regulation orders, to ensure compliance with Department for Transport requirements.

 

Lane Rental

 

Members may recall from my last update that good progress was being made towards completing an application to the Department for Transport for NYC to take on Lane Rental powers later in this financial year.

 

I am very pleased to report that a fully compliant application was submitted in advance of the March 31st deadline, marking the completion of over 18 months of dedicated project development and preparation.

 

In the coming weeks the DfT will assess our application and confirm in July whether it has been successful, which I hope and expect will be the case. Assuming a positive announcement in July, a NYC Lane Rental Scheme should be live around December this year and this will provide us with the ability to manage the impact of disruption from utility and other works in the toughest way we can.

 

Transport  

 

On 15 April, the Executive approved the acceptance of BSIP 4 from the Combined Authority. This will fund enhancements to bus routes across the county. Looking ahead, the Mayor will be leading on work to devise a new, joint Bus Service Improvement Plan, covering both North Yorkshire and York.

 

 

COUNCILLOR KEANE DUNCAN