
Residents of a main Hornsea road have called for action to prevent the public from being injured.
Other regular users of Westgate fear their worries are not taken seriously by decision-makers. Campaigners say the extra traffic, driver impatience, and lack of awareness are an accident waiting to happen, and they are concerned that future housing development traffic will create additional problems.
One long-term resident of the historic area, Brian Jenkins, said: “We have lived here for nearly 16 years and have witnessed an exponential growth in both the quantity and type of traffic using Westgate.”
During the planning process for the Tesco supermarket in 2009, officials worked with the community to agree on a schedule for delivery vehicles. This consideration for the residents continues today.
However, locals have noticed a substantial increase in school traffic, double-decker buses, and housing development traffic at all times of the day.
Combined with seasonal increases, Westgate and Bull Ring roundabout have become congested, causing the local community to call for action.
Brian added: “Now, due to the increase in traffic, they are continually mounting the pavements, endangering lives and properties. Our wall was hit and our neighbour’s demolished by a bus a few years ago.”
The campaigners also report a growing number of speeding cars after dark. Pedestrians who use the footpath on Westgate expressed annoyance at impatient drivers.
A dog walker said they wanted to see more accountability regarding the offences being committed. She said: “How are school children supposed to walk to school? The Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 34 states it is an offence to drive a motorised vehicle designed for road use on a footpath other than to access private property. The Highway Code has been updated. But drivers don’t take care. No one is holding the drivers to account.”
Property owners have done their best to communicate the urgency to traffic officials at the council.
Matthew Hearn, also a resident of Westgate, said he was worried for others: “We have rear access. I just don’t want people to get hurt. The paths are very narrow. Cars and HGVs are always mounting the kerbs. They’ve hit three of the bollards on the road trying to squeeze through.
“There are no traffic-calming measures here at all. People are walking all the way up to the traffic lights just to be able to cross the road.”
Some residents said the response they had received from council representatives was unsatisfactory and slow.
Another resident contacted the Gazette and said: “Everyone in Hornsea knows Westgate is a narrow road. You can’t rush through because you don’t know what’s coming. You have to slow down and give way. We have a lot of holidaymakers who aren’t aware of this. Cars are wider now. People are always in a rush. Why aren’t there traffic lights? It’s just not safe.”
Earlier in October, Charlie Dewhirst, the MP for Bridlington and the Wolds, had the opportunity to visit Westgate.
He said: “Having seen the issues on Westgate for myself, I am deeply concerned about the safety issues on this stretch of road. Hornsea residents have raised valid concerns, and it’s clear that a viable solution is needed to address the dangers posed to both pedestrians and cyclists.
“I will be working closely with East Riding Council to explore ways to make sure we do not have a situation where HGVs and articulated lorries are having to mount the kerb and properties damaged as a result.”
Officials are attempting to find a resolution to the issue without affecting historic buildings and the picturesque gateway to Hornsea.
Hornsea Town Council and East Riding Council ward councillors are eager to hear people’s views and ideas on how to resolve the longstanding issue. East Riding Council was not able to provide comment at the time of going to press.