A leaflet advising HGV drivers how to negotiate the A170 at Sutton Bank has been updated and reissued by North Yorkshire County Council.
The road, which climbs a 1 in 4 gradient at Sutton Bank, is an arterial route for the region. The county council has introduced measures to reduce the frequency of blockages through a proactive maintenance regime and signage. In addition, a weather station and camera have been installed to provide remote monitoring to ensure the bank remains passable to vehicles and to ensure a quick and effective response to any incidents.
However, following concerns raised by people living nearby about HGVs failing to negotiate the incline, the county council has worked with a local haulier to revise and redistribute a leaflet that was first published in the early 2000s.
The leaflet offers drivers advice on how to negotiate the bank, describes the conditions they will encounter, alternative routes and what to do and not to do if they do become stuck.
The council intends to make the leaflets available via driver recruitment agencies, local hauliers and truck stops, as well as supplying them to Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe Parish Council, which raised concerns.
County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Highways and Road Safety, said: “Sutton Bank is a vital part of the county’s highways network, so keeping it flowing as smoothly as possible is essential. I’d urge all HGV drivers who are likely to use the route to take a look at the advice on offer. In fact, the leaflet contains guidance that is equally valuable to any driver.”
County Councillor Gareth Dadd, the member for Thirsk, said: “The A170 up Sutton Bank is a vital route for locals and local businesses, as well as for visitors. Anything we can do to minimise disruptions to traffic on the bank is to be welcomed, so I’m happy to support this work to provide information to drivers of heavy goods vehicles about how to negotiate the gradient.”
A copy of the leaflet can be downloaded at www.northyorks.gov.uk/hgv.