Proposals to ban private vehicles from driving through a York city centre street should be implemented carefully to avoid repeating last decade’s Lendal Bridge closure “fiasco”, opposition councillors have said.
Liberal Democrat opposition transport spokesperson Cllr Stephen Fenton said they supported efforts to improve bus services but warned it could see traffic moved elsewhere.
City of York Council’s Conservative group leader Cllr Chris Steward said efforts must be made to ensure people who need to use cars can get around freely but reducing traffic was sensible.
Cllr Kate Ravilious, the council’s Labour transport spokesperson, said she welcomed support from opposition parties to cut congestion as delays continue to put people off using buses.
It comes as council proposals were unveiled for the Rougier Route which would see private vehicles banned from using the Rougier Street and George Hudson Street corridor for through journeys.
The proposals aim to free up the route, which is used by more than 1,000 buses a day for 29 services, for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists.
The measures would be in place for a trial period of 18 months, with warning letters issued during the first six and fines handed out for breaches afterwards.
They are backed by £2.2 million in Government funding.
Labour’s Cllr Ravilious said the restrictions could cut bus journey times by up to five minutes and they would create a pedestrian-friendly link from the city centre to Micklegate.
But Liberal Democrat Cllr Fenton said the timing of the consultation on the plans, part of which takes place during Christmas, was disappointing.
He added measures needed to be properly implemented to avoid a repeat of traffic restrictions brought in on Lendal Bridge a decade ago which banned vehicles except buses and taxis.
Restrictions which came into force in 2013 were found to be unlawful in 2014, resulting in the council’s then Labour administration having to repay fines.
Cllr Fenton said: “After months of delay, it is good to see that details of the proposed changes to city centre traffic flows are finally being shared with residents and businesses for consultation.
“We can’t afford another Lendal Bridge fiasco which did huge damage to York’s reputation under the previous Labour council administration and set back efforts to promote sustainable and active travel.
“Without proper planning and the availability of accessible and affordable alternatives to private car use, there is a risk of simply relocating traffic from the Rougier Street area to other routes.”
Conservative Cllr Steward said the previous disastrous implementation of restrictions on Lendal Bridge would make people sceptical about the latest plans.
But he added they were not opposed to the consultation moving forward and urged people to give their views.
Cllr Steward said: “The aim of reducing cars in the city centre is sensible and this is mainly government funded which is welcome.
“It is vital that Labour works cross party on this issue and truly listens to feedback on the general principles as well as if it happens the timings of restrictions.”
