CONSULTATION letters have been sent out to businesses and residents over proposals to ban vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes from using the level crossing in Norton.

North Yorkshire County Council agreed to the 18-month order before Christmas, which will assist Ryedale District Council in improving air quality in the area and around Butcher Corner in Malton.

The weight restriction will include standard exemptions for emergency service vehicles and highway maintenance vehicles.

In addition, it is proposed that a permit system would operate that would exempt specified vehicles from the restriction to minimise any adverse effects on nearby local businesses.

County councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for highways, said: “Public consultations have already revealed there is overwhelming support for a 7.5-tonne weight restriction on the grounds of improving air quality. This is a further consultation on the criteria for any exemptions to the restriction for local companies.’’

Councillor Di Keal, Ryedale district and town councillor for Norton West, said: “The weight restriction over County Bridge is a move in the right direction to improve air quality and reduce congestion through Malton and Norton, but it should be only the start of a process that will see other changes made to road layouts and traffic priorities, plus the introduction of better pedestrian and cycle routes.

“The county council has dragged its feet on introducing the complementary measures it talked about when the Brambling Fields junction was built and only by looking at other measures, such as one-way systems and improved traffic signalling, will congestion levels fall and air pollution levels drop.

“Action on traffic - Malton and Norton will continue to lobby for these changes to made as soon as possible.”