LABOUR'S candidate for the York Central constituency has joined a campaign to fine or ban drivers who do not obey the20mph limit in the Bishopthorpe Road area.

Rachael Maskell joined campaign group 20’s Plenty For York at the cycle crossing at the junction of Butcher Terrace and Bishopthorpe Road in York yesterday, where the group appealed for tougher measures for those caught breaking the speed limit.

The campaign group said speed humps would increase pollution and would not solve the problem, and instead asked for drivers who were caught speeding to be fined or banned.

They said new research from Iowa University suggested children under the age of 14 were unable to make crossing judgments as their motor skills were not yet fully developed, and this meant more enforcement - either by permanent cameras or signals - were needed on school routes, to help protect them.

Anna Semlyen, organiser for 20’s Plenty for York, said: “20mph is the right speed limit for Bishopthorpe Road. Camera enforcement of 20mph limits and a safe signalised crossing are essential for Bishopthorpe Road, especially at Butcher Terrace. It is a major sustainable transport junction to the only fully safe ride on cycle crossing of the River Ouse. It’s my child Rosie’s safe route to school.

“It’s not our children’s fault if they are hit. It is the fault of adults who drive too fast and the councillors who didn’t put in signalised crossings and the Police and Crime Commissioner who could have installed fixed average safety camera enforced compliance of speed limits but didn’t. Occasional enforcement is not enough on this major route.”

Ms Maskell said: “I have been campaigning with the community and parents from Knavesmire School for a better crossing on Bishopthorpe Road and for traffic to be slowed down before reaching Campleshon Road.

“While there are plans to improve the junction, more active traffic management systems are needed since cars frequently exceed the speed limit at this junction”.