By John Prince
There are growing concerns about traffic congestion near a road junction in the centre of Hornsea, where restrictions prevent motorists from turning right onto a busy shopping street.
The busy T‑junction at the end of Newbegin, where it joins Southgate, has signs and traffic lights indicating that drivers cannot turn right into Newbegin between 8am and 6pm. Instead, they must continue a couple of hundred yards along Market Place to a roundabout, come back on themselves, and then turn left at the lights at St Nicholas Church.
More drivers, however, appear to be ignoring the restriction, causing tailbacks and delays, particularly at weekends and busy times. There is also a knock‑on effect at the roundabout, where traffic becomes congested, especially during peak periods.
Although signs on Southgate display the restrictions, some motorists are either not seeing them or choosing not to comply.
Southgate is one of the busiest routes in and out of the town centre, as is the roundabout, and it carries large delivery vehicles heading to Tesco, Hornsea Village and the Hornsea Bridge industrial estate.
Residential and business properties sit at the junction, and queues of waiting drivers often sound their horns when someone attempts to turn right, disturbing those who live and work nearby.
Despite suggestions from local residents that the junction needs reassessment, there are currently no plans to change the system.
A spokesperson for East Riding Council said the “No Right Turn” at Southgate and Newbegin was introduced a few years ago in response to long‑standing concerns over congestion and safety.
Extensive consultation and monitoring were carried out, and the change was made permanent following strong support from Hornsea Town Council and the majority of local residents and businesses.
“Several alternative options were explored, but due to the constraints of the historic town layout, none were feasible. The current arrangement was identified as the most effective solution available. The council added that clear signs are in place and motorists should comply with the restrictions. Issues relating to driver behaviour, noise and abuse fall under police responsibility.
“There are no current plans for further changes, though the situation will continue to be monitored.”
A “No Right Turn” offence breaches a traffic regulation order under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Penalties vary depending on who enforces the rule.
Some councils can issue a contravention code 50R penalty charge notice if they are authorised to enforce moving traffic contraventions, with fines starting at £60.
East Riding Council is not authorised to enforce these offences, but Humberside Police can issue fixed penalty notices.
If a police officer directly observes a driver turning right at a prohibited junction, they can issue a traffic offence report, which may result in points or fines.
Members of the public can also report violations through Operation Snap, which allows people to submit footage of driving offences, then roads policing teams can take action where appropriate.
More details are available on the Humberside Police website.