Supporters of the Lendal Bridge restriction, which has been dramatically axed, argued strongly that it was the right move for York. Here are ten positive arguments for the trial:
1 - Transport bosses said from the start that the move would reduce city-centre congestion, with research suggesting a likely cut in traffic of 11 per cent.
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2 - Bus punctuality would be improved as buses were held up less, said council leaders
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3 - Pedestrians would also benefit, said supporters. Transport boss Dave Merrett said ahead of the trial being launched that the walking route from the station to the city centre was unattractive, with pedestrians having to fight with traffic.
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4 - Cyclists too would reap the rewards, it was said – and some wrote to The Press saying the move had been beneficial
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5 - The move would improve York’s “public realm”, said officials and cabinet councillors, tying in with plans to enhance York’s “cultural quarter” – the area around the station, Museum Gardens and the Minster.
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6 - Combined, the improvements for pedestrians and the public realm could have made York more attractive to tourists, enhancing a vital part of the city’s economy.
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7 - Air pollution needed tackling – York’s air, like much of the UK’s is deemed too dirty. Cutting traffic would cut pollution, said supporters.
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8 - The move tied in with long-term aims to move cars away from the city-centre. As long ago as 2000, there were calls for the bridge and/or St Leonard’s Place to be closed
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9 - Although the project has been axed, it could yet spark a serious and vital discussion on how to tackle congestion in York. A cross-party group is being set up to look at the issue.
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10 - Controversy aside, the move has generated hundreds of thousands of pounds that will be spent on other road projects and repairs across York.
>> Not convinced? Here are 10 reasons why the trial DIDN'T work
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