https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/tour-de-yorkshire-set-clash-2313229
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Tour de Yorkshire set to clash with East Riding Council election
Councillor calls for reassurances
Some voters in next year's
East Riding Council election could find their normal route to the local polling station blocked off - thanks to the
Tour de Yorkshire.
For the first stage of the 2019 cycling spectacular is due to wheel its way through the county on the same day as the council's all-out election on Thursday, May 2.
Riders are scheduled to pass through
Goole, Howden, South Cave,
Beverley and
Pocklington in the 178.5km stage which starts in Doncaster and ends in Sherburn in Elmet.
Traditionally, roads where the race passes through are temporarily closed to normal traffic. Rolling road closures are a regular feature of the event, allowing cyclists and the huge cavalcade of back-up vehicles a clear route.
Huge crowds fill Beverley's Saturday Market for the Tour de Yorkshire men's race (Image: Jerome Ellerby)
That is likely to restrict access to some polling stations for a while, although they will all be open to voters as usual between 7am and 10pm.
Council election officials are expected to work closely with race organisers over the next few months to keep any disruption to a minimum.
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Tour de Yorkshire 2019 route, times, dates and where to watch
But one councillor has already questioned how the clash has come about, especially as the council is one of the race sponsors, and raised concerns about access to polling stations.
Parking will be heavily restricted in towns along the route, creating a potential headache for disabled voters.
Watch: Start of the Tour De Yorkshire in Beverley 2018
CLICK TO PLAY
SEE THE START OF THE 2018 TOUR DE YORKSHIRE IN BEVERLEY
Independent Andy Strangeway, who represents the Pocklington Provincial ward, said: "As this could be in breach of electoral law, I have requested East Riding Council's returning officer Caroline Lacey to seek confirmation from the Electoral Commission that no legislation will be breached due to electors having access to the polling stations denied for part of the day."
The council's elections take place once every four years with all seats on the authority being contested.