With the Government committed to reducing carbon emissions, congestion charging is being mooted as a solution in York, alongside restricted parking. ARJ SINGH gauges the reaction to the proposals.

FOR the first time in York, congestion charging is being discussed as a possible solution to tackle the growing pressures on the transport infrastructure.

Melanie Carr, scrutiny officer for City of York Council, has warned that existing transport plans will fail to cope with an inevitable increase in traffic that will cripple existing structures.

Many of York's key stakeholders support the idea in principle, but stress that the council must take heed of the variety of opinions and interests involved. Len Cruddas, chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said it must be beneficial to businesses and motorists.

"It has to be ring-fenced," he said. "The money must be reinvested in improving transport generally. The charge shouldn't be used as a blunt stick, it is important it isn't seen as just another tax.

"I'm willing to listen to proposals, but there must be proper consultation. It is important that the business community's views are properly taken into account."

Mr Cruddas also highlighted the prospective long-term benefits of improving traffic flow, but recognised the short-term effect will most likely be detrimental.

"It is important that people and businesses are consulted and that the benefits are seen," he said.

Green councillor Dave Taylor backed Ms Carr's criticism of existing mechanisms.

"The measures in place at the moment - speed bumps, rising bollards and bus lanes - have been ever more torturous," he said. "The more complicated the schemes get, the more congestion charging would be a simple and elegant solution."

He said the success of London's scheme had altered his opinion on tolling.

"Ken Livingstone pumped a lot of money into public transport and that is why London's scheme has been successful," he said.

The focus on public transport is shared by many. Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of the tourist agency Visit York, said she would like all other avenues to be explored before any charging is introduced.

"It is vitally important we get the balance right between protecting city centre trade and creating a safe and pleasant environment for residents and visitors," she said.

"Promotion of public transport options and the improvement and affordability of public transport is the key to encouraging visits to the city by bus or by train."

The debate taking place in Manchester revolves around congestion charging directly funding public transport, as the money generated will be used to repay a Government loan for improving services.

The problems facing York are illustrated by the situation at the Defra Government office in King's Pool, where employees living within a five-mile radius have been banned from parking at work to cut congestion in the car park.

Coun Taylor saw this as too blunt an instrument, reinforcing the idea that green policies must be carefully put together.

Green councillor Andy D'Agorne recognised similar efforts were taking place across the UK.

"Nottingham is looking at a workplace parking levy in the city centre, in partnership with major employers," he said.

"The money raised will be invested in public transport. In Nottingham, it will be used to improve the tram network.

"There are issues with any major workplace destination to try and make it as successful as possible for car owners. Nobody wants to be sat in traffic."