A LEADING transport expert who has worked on some of Britain's biggest projects is to be asked to help crack York's congestion problems.

Terry Hill, whose career has included working on the Tyne Tunnel, the Dublin Port Tunnel and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, has been put forward as chairman of York's proposed congestion commission.

Mr Hill, who was made a CBE in 2010, was also chair from 2004 to 2013 of the Arup Group, which had 12,000 staff and a £1.3 billion turnover. He is from Manchester and lives near London.

Mr Hill's nomination will be discussed by the City of York Council cabinet next Tuesday. The cabinet will also be asked to approve revised plans for the commission, costing £135,000 - down from the £161,000 previously suggested.

A council spokeswoman said the commission's driving principles included using independent expertise and cross-party participation. She said there would be extensive consultation with residents and businesses and an "open and transparent debate".

York Press:

Congestion has been an enduring problem in York

It is proposed that the commission will have nine members, including four councillors.

The spokeswoman added: "Proposed solutions must seek to improve the economic capacity of the city centre, improve York’s environmental and air quality and enhance the quality of life of York residents and visitors."

The commission is expected to report to council by October. The spokeswoman said solutions proposed must be evidence based, within budget and clearly costed to ensure that those options presented for approval and funding are technically and financially feasible.

Sarah Tanburn, the council's interim director of city services, said in a written report to cabinet: "York is characterised by lively debate on all matters relating to traffic and highways; this proposal aims to draw on that energy and involvement and enable a public discussion which is informed by evidence and comparison."

She said long-term thinking was crucial.

Opposition parties have raised concerns about the commission straddling May's elections, but Ms Tanburn suggests some work before May, and the remainder after the election.

Cllr David Levene, cabinet member for transport, said: “It’s time for all of us to come together, with help from the our local communities and independent, world-class experts like Terry Hill and get to grips with congestion in our city. "

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