A CENTURY ago, York had an electric tram network linking residents of the village of Fulford, the Barracks and Fulford Road to the city centre and workplaces in York.

Ten years ago, the city of Freiburg opened a new tram route linking 5,000 households on the former Army base at Vauban to the city centre.

Developing as an eco-settlement from 1998 with all homes built to be within walking distance of a tram stop, the proportion of residents living without a car has increased over time from 50 per cent to around 70 per cent, with nearly 60 per cent of those now without a car having given up owning one on moving there.

Are there lessons here for our Local Plan proposal for 3,000 new homes at Elvington, and the current plan anticipating “at least 85 per cent” of residents relying on private cars as their main means of transport?

The draft Local Plan anticipates the need for measures to deal with traffic growth, yet is silent on any new dedicated public transport routes for trams or electric buses.

Traffic implications of Elvington, Germany Beck, University and the Barracks surely justify an alternative solution?

We have a “vision” for more homes and new communities, but nothing for 21st century transport.

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, Green Party, York