Further to feedback received following our previous communication regarding speeding and parking concerns within Spofforth, officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team re‑attended the area today between 14:30 and 15:45. This deployment was carried out in direct response to issues raised specifically in relation to school collection times. Speed and Parking EnforcementOfficers were positioned near the primary school to monitor parking compliance and conducted mobile speed checks on Castle Street. We are pleased to confirm that no vehicles were recorded exceeding the speed limit during the period officers were present. While this positive outcome may be partly due to visible police presence, further checks will be undertaken in the coming weeks to ensure continued compliance and promote long‑term road safety. Although the majority of motorists were compliant, several vehicles were reported for wilfully obstructing the highway and for parking within a junction. We appreciate that many vehicles are parked only briefly during school pick‑up times; however, parking in a manner that forces pedestrians—including children, wheelchair users, those with pushchairs, or individuals with guide dogs—into the roadway is unacceptable and poses a clear safety risk. Parking availability may be limited at peak times, but safe alternatives do exist that do not involve blocking footpaths, kerbs, or junctions. An extra 30‑second walk is a simple and responsible action that significantly improves safety for all. Before parking, we ask motorists to consider: “Can a wheelchair or pushchair get past here? Will someone with a guide dog be able to pass safely?”
If the answer is no, please choose an alternative, safer location. Engagement With Local Residents and BusinessesDuring today’s operation, officers also engaged with both residents and local businesses. Concerns were raised regarding parking near the village store—an area where it is essential to balance road safety with maintaining access and supporting the viability of the business. We will continue to work collaboratively with the local council and the business owner to identify practical and sustainable solutions. In the meantime, we ask motorists to consider the wider impact of their parking in this area, ensuring that neither the dropped kerb nor the roundabout exit is obstructed. Although many vehicles stop only briefly, it takes just a moment for an accident to occur. Any educational or enforcement activity conducted in this location is undertaken solely in the interest of public safety. By raising awareness, we aim to support both behavioural and environmental improvements to prevent future issues. Operation Snap – Reporting Driving OffencesWe also wish to remind residents of Operation Snap, a collaborative initiative aimed at improving road safety across North Yorkshire. If you witness a driving offence—such as dangerous driving, failing to comply with traffic signals, mobile phone use while driving, contravening solid white lines, or improper motorway lane use—and the incident is captured on dashcam, CCTV, or a passenger’s mobile phone, footage can be submitted directly to the police. All submissions are reviewed by specially trained staff. Where an offence is identified, drivers may face prosecution or be required to complete a driver improvement course. Further information about Operation Snap is available at:
https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/police-forces/north-yorkshire-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns… |