A MAJOR traffic management strategy is being drawn up for Northallerton with improvements for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians over the next five years.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds will be spent on developments in and around Northallerton, addressing traffic and road safety problems at key locations.

North Yorkshire County Council has identified problems in the market town, including congested junctions and level crossings.

The council and its consultant partner, Mouchel, have been working with other authorities and organisations including district and town councils, police, chamber of trade and taxi companies, to develop an overall plan for managing traffic.

Chris Millns, the county council's head of environmental enhancement, said: "The council has a £10m county-wide budget for works of this nature and we have already allocated £100,000 to the traffic management strategy this year.

"We have been looking at the problems in Northallerton, around level crossings and at certain junctions, and have been considering ways we can free the movement of traffic through the high street.

"We have also looked at ways to make the town safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

"Another priority has been to address the use of public transport and encourage more and more local people to leave their cars at home."

There have been some differing opinions among councillors over some of the proposals so now the options are being taken to public consultation, with leaflets and questionnaires already being deliv ered to homes and businesses.

The results of the consultation will be reported to the county council's area committee for Hambleton. The committee will then decide on the traffic management strategy to be adopted.

Coun Bill Barton, chairman of the committee, said: "It is important that people have their say and I hope that as many people as possible take advantage of the opportunity while the consultation exercise is under way.

"I can assure everyone that the views of Northallerton people are being listened to."