Local MP Urges Government and North Yorkshire Council to Tackle Rural Road Safety Crisis

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has called on the Government and North Yorkshire Council to adopt a proactive approach to road safety in rural communities, following growing concern about speeding and the lack of pedestrian infrastructure in villages across the region.

Speaking in Parliament, Tom highlighted the disproportionate risks faced by people in rural areas, where collisions are four times more likely to be fatal than in urban settings.

One village particularly affected is Ferrensby, which sits on the main route between Knaresborough and Boroughbridge. Residents face dangerous speeding through the village centre, with no safe crossing and limited footpaths. But Ferrensby is far from alone, with similar concerns having been raised in villages right across Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Tom also drew attention to the absence of fixed or average speed cameras in North Yorkshire, an issue he raised directly in Parliament. This gap in enforcement has led to a growing reliance on local community Speed Watch groups, who voluntarily monitor speeds and raise awareness to help reduce dangerous driving.

Commenting, Tom Gordon MP said:

“Rural communities like mine should be walkable, liveable places, not corridors for speeding traffic.

“Too often, drivers assume that rural roads are empty, and treat them like racetracks. But that mindset has devastating consequences, particularly when there are no pavements, crossings or speed controls in place.

“It shouldn’t take a tragedy to spark action. That’s why I’m calling on the Government, North Yorkshire Council, and North Yorkshire Police to take a much more proactive approach to road safety. We need proper infrastructure, better enforcement, and a clear commitment to making our villages safer for everyone.”

ENDS