Warning system for drivers climbing Sutton Bank up and running

A long-awaited warning system telling drivers when one of the most infamous climbs in North Yorkshire should be avoided is up and running.

By Alexandra Wood

Published 27th Apr 2021, 07:10 BST

Updated 27th Apr 2021, 07:12 BST

Hambleton at the top of Sutton Bank near Thirsk in North Yorkshire

Sutton Bank has a long history of vehicles getting into difficulties because of its sharp incline and hairpin bends, and every year around 120 HGVs end up blocking the road.

The £40,000 system will pick up real-time issues on the bank and automatically display it on interactive signs in Thirsk and the A168/A19 roundabout on York Road.

Councillor Gareth Dadd, who contributed £5,000 from his locality budget, welcomed the scheme, adding: “It’s great to see it up and running to coincide with the easing of lockdown restrictions.”

In 2001 the AA labelled the route one of the most dangerous in Britain and caravans have been prohibited from using the bank since May 1984. The maximum gradient is one in four.

Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe parish council gave £1,000 towards the scheme.

North Yorkshire