A haulage firm’s request for permission to run an extra 30 vehicles has sparked fresh concern among residents in several York villages.
Celkom Transport wants to add an additional ten lorries and 20 trailers to its operating licence
The request has heightened fears in communities south of York, including Bishopthorpe, Copmanthorpe and Appleton Roebuck. Celkom, based in Acaster Malbis, currently has its lorries drive through these villages to access the A64.
Residents have raised numerous safety concerns, warning that large vehicles navigating narrow village roads pose a serious risk. Some have described the situation as “an accident waiting to happen.”
They have raised fears for the safety of children and pedestrians, increased air and noise pollution, damage to roads not designed for industrial traffic, and disruption to the peaceful character of the villages.
The firm has already expanded recently, following the launch of its new 50,000 square foot warehouse at Brocket Industrial Estate in Acaster Malbis, announced in January.
According to local councillors, problems have only escalated since the expansion.
Chris Steward, leader of York’s Conservative Group and ward councillor for Copmanthorpe, believes Celkom’s operations should be relocated to a site with direct access to a motorway or an industrial park that leads straight to suitable roads.
Following Celkom’s latest application to add 30 vehicles to its operating licence, residents have come together to oppose it.
Hundreds of objections have been submitted to the Transport Commissioner in Leeds, and locals are now awaiting a decision.
A petition launched by a resident of Bishopthorpe has also gained traction and gathered over 400 signatures so far.
Joe Nassan stated: “We believe this expansion will negatively impact our health, wellbeing, and quality of life. We urge the council and planning authorities to reconsider or impose strict limitations on Celkom Transport’s proposed traffic routes and volume through Bishopthorpe.”
One Copmanthorpe resident in support of the campaign, Claire Millea, shared her concerns with YorkMix.
“In my opinion, lots of huge lorries going through tight roads in small villages is an accident waiting to happen. I’ve seen them mount the curb during the school run on occasion,” she said.
Claire echoed Cllr Steward’s views that the issue has only worsened since Celkoms expansion.
“Celkom should not have been allowed to expand their warehousing in this location, bearing in mind the difficulties with access to main roads, the damage to the bridge and the complaints from residents of the villages they use to gain access to the a64. It’s clear it’s not a viable location.”
She continued, “These types of distribution centres should be located next to major roads, with clear access for this number and type of vehicles, without having to navigate and manoeuvre huge fleets of articulated lorries around narrow village roads and junctions, and even school crossings to gain access.”
Claire also noted that Celkom’s current operating licence is valid until December 2027, but she hopes local authorities will “seriously consider” the implications of the firm’s location before then.
In response to the mounting pressure, York Outer MP Luke Charters issued an update yesterday (15 May) on his work to address the issue.
In a Facebook post, he noted receiving significant public concern about the lorry traffic, in particularly near Bishopthorpe primary school.
In parliament, he raised the issue with Minister for Roads, Lillian Greenwood, urging reform of the powers held by Traffic Commissioners to address “unsafe HCV movements.”
Mr Charters had previously written to the Traffic Commissioners opposing the increase in HGV activity, due to “several scary near misses.”
However, current regulations means such activity cannot be taken into account when considering Celkoms application for an extra HGV licence.
He stated: “It’s clear the Traffic Commissioner’s remit is badly out of date.”
Lillian Greenwood has agreed to meet with Mr Charters, to which he promised to continue campaigning on what he described as a “key issue.”
Speaking to YorkMix, Mr Charters added, “From the start I’ve said that Celkom must consider that they are sending large, noisy HGVs through villages not designed for heavy traffic.
“Particularly around school pick up and drop off times they should be aware of young children and make reasonable adjustments to avoid these times”
“When it comes to HGV operator licence changes or additions, we need to put safety first and this is what I’m urging the Traffic Commissioner to consider.”
What are your thoughts on Celkom’s application? Let us know at [email protected].