I can confirm that there are dual investigations underway into the Leeming Bar overnight parking ban.

• Investigation 1 – North Yorkshire Police

There is an investigation into Inspector Sarah Sanderson of North Yorkshire Police for condoning the Leeming Bar Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) banning overnight parking as overnight parking is not defined as anti-social behaviour and thus the PSPO is a misuse of legislation. This is confirmed by both the Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police

The investigation will also look into the involvement of North Yorkshire Police itself in the failure.

North Yorkshire Police currently await my submission to the investigation.

• Investigation 2 – North Yorkshire County Council

There is an investigation into David Kirkpatrick, North Yorkshire County Council Traffic Engineering Team Leader, for the incorrect statement he submitted to Hambleton District Council (HDC) that resulted in the Cabinet approving to amend the Leeming Bar overnight parking ban in breach of legislation.

Barry Khan, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services) and Monitoring Officer, North Yorkshire County Council has confirmed that the Investigating Officer  has the appropriate experience required for the investigation and he “will also make sure that she has access to any legal advice that she needs from my team.”

North Yorkshire County Council currently await my submission to the investigation.