Residents in Ripon say driving instructors using South Grange Road for lessons are making their lives a misery.
Ripon residents say driving instructors have 'taken over' road Residents in Ripon say driving instructors using South Grange Road for lessons are making their lives a misery. At a full meeting of Ripon City Council on Monday night, neighbours Geoff Haldenby and Marjorie Sanderson addressed councillors to say as many as 9 instructors have been spotted using the road at one time with several leaving their engines running idle whilst they stop. They fear the idling is worsening air quality in the area and exacerbating health conditions of older residents. The RAC says with most instances of idling come from ‘avoidable’ road situations. Studies have shown air pollution is linked to a myriad of health impacts including lung problems, heart disease, cancer and dementia. Under the Road Traffic Act 2002, it’s an offence to be parked with an engine running. Some councils issue fines for motorists who refuse to turn their engines off after being asked by a traffic officer. A North Yorkshire Council spokesperson was unable to confirm if it enforces the legislation but other nearby councils such as York do. Ms Sanderson said she asked one instructor to turn the engine off but received a volley of abuse. She added:
“They sit with their cars ticking over and not the turning engines off, they’re creating pollution. I have neighbours with asthma and some need oxygen because of it.”Many modern cars have stop-start technology, which automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary. But Mr Haldenby said it is not being used by the driving instructors. He believes recent health problems could have been caused by poor air quality. He said:
“I’ve had five bouts of pneumonia, something has happened in the area to make air quality poor and I urge the council to do something about it.”Council leader Andrew Williams, who is also part of the ruling Conservative and Independents group on North Yorkshire Council, said he wants to see the issue resolved and will raise the matter with the council and North Yorkshire Police. Cllr Williams said:
“Theres very clearly an issue with respect of driving instructors having virtual owenrshop of the road to teach driving classes. It isn’t appropriate. "The problem is it’s a wide stretching road which makes practicing parallel parking easier. I’ve driven down South Grange Road and seen two or three parked up in different locations.”By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
