YORK’S interim director of city and environmental services is quoted as saying permanent restrictions have been in place in Coppergate for more than 50 years. Not so.

I passed my driving test on two wheels in 1967 and four wheels in 1968. It was then possible to drive unencumbered along this public highway. Not until the 1970s did restrictions begin to steadily strangle traffic flow on what used to be the principal route across the city.

Matthew Laverack, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York.