WHEN I cycled across Lendal Bridge last after a council meeting, I feared being hit and injured by vehicles. The congestion was as bad as ever.

Following the debacle of the bridge closure, I am convinced no political party will have the courage or will to tackle York’s congestion problems head on.

Instead, politicians will continue to discredit the profession by reacting to the loudest voices, ignoring wise counsel and pursuing short-term political advantage.

An independent Congestion Commission is the only way forward. However, there are already arguments about political representation on a commission. Why should the Greens be represented and not Independents who outnumber them?

There is also concern the commission would be used for political advantage in the general election.

The solution is obvious. We must have an independent commission, an embargo on using it for political advantage and no political representation. Moreover, all parties should commit in their manifestos to respect the findings.

Cllr Joe Watt, Conservative Member for Skelton, Rawcliffe & Clifton Without, City of York Council.