MOTORISTS in York should be given more information on electronic signs, according to a local councillor.

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing has today called for the city's Variable Message Signs to be used to help residents with asthma by telling them about air quality levels and advertise the Park&Ride scheme.

The Labour spokesperson for city strategy hit out at City of York Council for failing to make the most of the expensive technology.

She said: "As residents will have noticed, across York there are a number of these large LED signs.

"When first installed, there was a period of time when they were used to inform York residents and visitors to the city about roadworks, and the like.

"However, more recently the only details that are displayed on them are the number of empty car parking spaces.

"I find it unbelievable that as a council we have purchased this technology, yet we are not using it to its full potential.

"For example, a number of the signs are located within the city's air quality management area. Here they could be used to advertise the city's air quality - either a daily or weekly projection.

"This could be useful to those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, and as a means to dissuade people from using their cars.

"On the outer ring road, the signs could be used to advertise the Park&Rides with such information as parking at a Park&Ride will help reduce the city's Co2 emissions' or help cut pollution and congestion in York, use the Park&Ride'.

"If the council wants to achieve its goals of reduced congestion and improve air quality then there needs to be a constant drip, drip process. We have an ideal tool in the signs so the question is why are we not using them and when will that policy be reversed?"

Coun Simpson-Laing will be putting this proposal to the council's Executive Member for City Strategy, Coun Ann Reid, at a meeting on Thursday.

The signs were installed by the council in 2003 as part of a £1.5 scheme to combat traffic congestion.