A TRANSPORT assessment is to be carried out on whether it is feasible to put restrictions on traffic using a town centre road.

Craven District Council commissioned an independent road safety risk assessment on Jerry Croft in Skipton, the one-way route by the side of the town hall which is the main entrance to the High Street car park.

The work was authorised following concerns about the mix of pedestrians and vehicles using Jerry Croft. The assessment highlights a number of areas for improvements and also proposes consideration be given to restricting the use of vehicles from the High Street to Jerry Croft’s junction with the Marks & Spencer store.

The council said it was now commissioning a transport assessment to consider in more detail the feasibility of restricting traffic using Jerry Croft. This will look at traffic flow patterns through Skipton and the effects on other routes if Jerry Croft was pedestrianised, including safety and operational implications. North Yorkshire highway authority will also be consulted.

Councillor Simon Myers, lead member for Enterprising Craven, said: “There has been some concern for some time about the relationship between pedestrians and vehicles down Jerry Croft. This initial assessment has identified a number of areas for improvements and so further work will be commissioned to look at this in more depth.”

A copy of the full road safety risk assessment can be seen on the council’s website, and the authority is also preparing a costed action plan to address other recommendations.

This will be put in a report to councillors.

Meanwhile, Jerry Croft is to be closed on Tuesday while a new gas supply is installed.

A council spokesman said: “To try to minimise disruption to the public, traffic and businesses, the closure has been planned for a non-market day.

“It will close at 8am and is expected to reopen during the evening, although contractors will try to open earlier if at all possible.”

There will also be restricted access to Jerry Croft for HGVs and coaches for one week commencing Monday, March 23, to allow a safe working space at the side of the road.

The coaches and HGVs will be diverted to the rear car park entrance, but cars will not be affected by the restriction.

All the shops, cafes and businesses in the Jerry Croft area will remain open as usual.