HIGHWAY bosses are to devise a traffic management plan for Whitby because of the town's increasing popularity as a tourist centre.

A partnership of councillors and highway engineers has produced a 15-point plan for the strategy, said Mike Moore, director of environmental services for North Yorkshire County Council.

In a report to the authority's area committee for the Yorkshire coast and moors Mr Moore said the strategy would include reducing the number of pedestrian casualties, improving facilities for cyclists, reducing conflicts between pedestrians, vehicles and boats at the swing bridge, which links the east and west sides of the town across the harbour, and improving signs for pedestrians, bus and rail passengers, and drivers.

In addition, Mr Moore said the strategy aimed to reduce non-essential traffic in the centre of Whitby, improve safety at the Prospect Hill traffic signals, and coach drop-off and pick-up facilities.

Whitby is expecting a big influx of visitors this summer with the return of the replica of Captain James Cook's ship, the HM Barn Endeavour, which is sailing from Australia to the Yorkshire port where the original was built 250 years ago.

Mr Moore said that in a bid to cope with the traffic, additional parking is to be provided at the Abbey Headland, as well as temporary parking on the outskirts of Whitby, including park and ride.

Several roads in the town will be closed on the day the ship arrives and again when it leaves after a six-week stay.