People are being reminded that a consultation on a weight restriction on HGVs using a level crossing in a Norton runs until the end of December.

The ban which was supposed to have been made permanent, is undergoing a further consultation period following an “administrative error”.

An 18-month experimental 7.5-tonne restriction designed to improve air quality in Malton and Norton came into force in February 2018 and was due to expire on August 9.

It was recommended that the restriction at Norton level crossing be made permanent in a report to a North Yorkshire County Council’s (NYCC) business and environmental services (BES) meeting in July, with the condition that the limit should be looked at again following a forthcoming increase in the rail services in Malton and a review of the impact of that on traffic flows and air quality.

However, it has since emerged that due to an administrative error the permanent order that has been made is incorrect and requires to be re-advertised.

The re-advertisement mean that members of the public have the opportunity until December 27 to register objections, which will require a further report to the NYCC BES executive members before the permanent order can be implemented.

Malton County Cllr Lindsay Burr, said: “Air quality must be a top priority in Malton.

“As ward member for Malton I support the ban, and I am working tirelessly to get a solution to restrict HGVs going over Highfield Road.

“I understand both Malton and Norton town councils still support the ban and I am sorry residents are having to wait for it to be re-implemented.

“Whilst this is taking place it’s also been two years since the junction in Norton was changed.

“Traffic chaos is horrendous at the moment. I guess we will never get the junction turned back to what it was, so let’s get some traffic lights in place to stop the horrendous queues and rat runs taking place especially in Norton. Let’s give the motorists something to look forward to in 2020.”

However, Norton County Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “There is no evidence the HGV ban has made any improvements whatsoever to air quality in Malton, yet the villages surrounding Malton and Norton, Highfield Road and Scarborough Road continue to suffer its consequences.

“With changes on the cards to trains and traffic, it would be best to consider all issues together to ensure a coherent plan. I continue to oppose the HGV ban and will fight against it.”