TRADERS in York city centre have expressed their concern at the confusion caused by changes to the traffic flow outside their businesses.

The one-way restriction in Fossgate was reversed at the weekend and the road has become a pedestrian priority zone from 8am to 6pm, the road space has been set aside for pavement cafes. New signs and road markings have been put in place.

Mother and son Annette and Dan Harker, own the family run business The Cake Shop and say the changes have caused confusion for drivers, cyclists and the business owners themselves.

City of York Council has said businesses were consulted, they are monitoring the trial and are willing to change things if they are not working.

Ms Harker said: "It’s basically chaos. Just a few days ago there was almost a collision, when a vehicle was pulling out and a car was coming down the wrong way.

"We’ve tried contacting the council multiple times, but we couldn't reach them. We’ve emailed but they never respond to our emails ether."

Ms Harker said that concerns had been expressed due to the narrow space between cafe tables which are in the street and parked delivery vehicles opposite.

She said: "How are the emergency services supposed to get down in a rush?"

Mr Harker said he has concerns about where smaller businesses should store street furniture.

He said: "We have to wait until 11 to put the cafe furniture out, but we open at 10. Where are we supposed to store the furniture whilst we open?"

James Gilchrist, City of York Council's assistant director for transport, highways and environment, said: “The recent changes to reverse the flow of traffic along Fossgate are being implemented on a trial basis.

"We’ve spoken with local businesses and residents on the street who requested the changes to help make the area more appealing.

"We are keen to monitor how the trial is progressing and we are open to altering the changes to help ensure the trial is a success."

The changes are experimental and will run for 18 months, before a decision is made over whether to make it permanent.

The pedestrian priority zone will also allow access for cyclists, and the street cafes will only be allowed during specific hours.

Cllr Ian Gillies, executive member for transport, said: “These changes come after an ongoing discussion with residents and businesses to help make the area more appealing.” Businesses can contact the council by emailing highway.regulation@york.gov.uk