Lorry drivers look set to be banned from staying overnight on an industrial estate, despite warnings such a move would create issues elsewhere.
Hambleton District Council’s leading members are set to consider launching a Public Space Protection Order and enforcement regime on the Leeming Bar Estate and surrounding area, and if that is deemed successful, another at Thirsk Industrial Estate.
If approved at a cabinet meeting next week, it would be the first time the authority has used the measure designed to tackle antisocial behaviour hotspots.
The orders would see the officers empowered to fine anyone staying overnight in vehicles on the estates up to £100.
A council spokesman said it was considering the orders as multi-agency discussions had not identified a suitable long-term solution to concerns raised by residents and businesses about persistent anti-social behaviour by lorry drivers.
He said: “The anti-social behaviour that has been reported is stated to be having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the area which includes littering, early morning engine noise, criminal damage, refrigeration noises through the night, inappropriate parking, road safety concerns and human excrement left on premises including children’s nurseries and residents gardens.”
Recent late evening spot checks have shown up to 40 vehicles are parked on each estate or surrounding area on most weekday evenings.
Ahead of considering the order, the council held a public consultation which found 62 per cent of all respondents were opposed to the ban in Thirsk and 47 per cent at Leeming Bar. However, 75 per cent and 61 per cent of residents and traders at Leeming Bar and Thirsk, respectively were in favour of the ban.
After learning of the proposed bans, lorry drivers’ groups said the only truck stop in the area, Coneygarth, near Leeming Bar, was always full.
A spokesman for one group, which works with thousands of drivers, said: “The drivers have got to have somewhere to go. The problem is not going to go away.”
Drivers groups said they considered laybys and industrial areas as unsafe, due to cargo and diesel thefts, but they have been left with no alternative.
A council spokesman said the recommended ban had taken into account the council giving planning permission for two lorry parks to meet demands and that the Leeming Bar Motel provides 24-hour toilet facilities at its lorry park.
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