8:41am Thursday 18th March 2010
By Richard Catton
DRIVERS are regularly flouting the law and driving down Gillygate – despite the street being closed to cars during maintenance work.
The scheduled six-week closure of Gillygate has seen traffic diverted away from the area since last month.
However, according to residents, some drivers are ignoring warning signs and are driving down the narrow section of road left open for emergency access.
Dr Michelle Peckham, who walks down Gillygate every day on her way to York Station, said traffic control there was not working.
She said: “Cars are driving down Gillygate from Lord Mayor’s Walk, even though it is one-way and the sign says ‘road closed’.
“I have seen this every day. This evening a taxi driver did this and forced two cars coming the other way to drive on the pavement.”
Dr Peckham said cyclists were also ignoring red lights and signs ordering them to dismount while in Gillygate.
She said she feared an accident with pedestrians walking into the road, not expecting to encounter a vehicle.
A City of York Council spokesperson said: “The temporary traffic order is in place to allow the contractors to carry out essential work unhindered.
“Access is permitted for residents of Gillygate and adjoining streets and for businesses too.
“Drivers who flout the order are putting themselves, our contractors, pedestrians and legitimate users of this road at risk as well as potentially delaying completion of the works.”
Inspector Dave Brown, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “It is important that motorists take notice of any road closures which are in place. Ignoring signs and using roads which are closed to the public can cause great disruption to any essential work which is taking place, and can also put people working on those roads and members of the public at risk.”
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