HOW dare the taxi drivers of York disobey Peter Evely (Road to nowhere, August 21). After all they are only trying to provide a much-needed service and make a living.

I'm quite surprised Mr Evely did not send a plague of frogs to rain down on them as punishment.

What about the police? How dare they argue with his master plan, after all they have only been organising the race traffic successfully for more than 50 years.

The fiasco on the three race days could not possibly be anything to do with Mr Evely's continual squeeze on York's traffic with his road closures, chicanes, traffic lights and road humps.

Nor could it be possible that because of these measures traffic has reached saturation point and our roads cannot cope with any more.

John Miller,

Hunters Close,

Dunnington, York.

...TWICE recently Dan Jones has written articles in which he uses the phrase "taxi drivers". On both such occasions he has shown photographs and quotes from private hire companies.

There was nothing to explain the difference between private hire and taxi procedures.

While certain companies within the private hire side of the business may be displaying a petulant attitude and threatening to boycott Royal Ascot at York, the hackney carriages (taxis), which have the word taxi on the roof and can be hailed in the street legally, will adopt a more responsible role and will be available as usual to carry out the job which City of York Council licensed them for - and that is to provide a service.

Alan Rowley,

Secretary,

York Taxi Association.

Millfield Lane,

Hull Road, York.

...DURING the recent public consultation into York's five-year local transport plan, I had the pleasure of debating with some of those who influence the city's transport requirements. This included taxi operators, and I must admit to acquiring a great respect for their views.

It was therefore with some sadness that I read media suggestions from them that Terry Avenue should be reopened part time to cater for racecourse traffic.

Since its closure to motor vehicles, this former road has become a pleasant riverside walking and cycling route. With other lightly trafficked connecting roads, it forms part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. So it is used not only by local cyclists, but by touring cyclists.

Streams of motor vehicles using this route would create major potential for conflict with users, plus Millennium Bridge users at one end. I hope this "soft option" will not be seriously considered.

Suggestions to build a new racecourse link road from the A64 are far fetched, so far as 2005 is concerned. The bypass belongs to the Highways Agency and it is them, not City of York Council, who would have to progress a scheme. This could typically take five years, for legal work, land purchase and construction.

Paul Hepworth,

Cyclists Touring Club North Yorkshire,

Windmill Rise,

Holgate,

York.

...MR HORNER wrote concerning the continuation of the race day traffic management measures after Ascot next year (Letters, August 18).

I can assure Mr Horner and other South Bank residents that since it became known York was to host Ascot, the three Micklegate ward councillors, Dave Merrett, Dave Evans, and myself, have been pressing for improvements put in place for Ascot to continue for normal race days.

We called for the trial of some of the measures during this year's Ebor Meeting so teething problems could be identified and, hopefully, ironed out in time for next year.

Clearly there have been mixed views as to the wisdom of the traffic management scheme, and this is now subject to a review by council officers and the police. We urge individual residents who were affected to submit their comments to the council.

As ward councillors we will continue to consult with local residents to get their views on whether the trial was a success and how the arrangements can be improved.

The racecourse is an important facility and race days are part of the life of the city. But although some disruption by big events is inevitable, the blighting of the area surrounding the racecourse by heavy traffic, inconsiderate parking and anti-social behaviour must be minimised.

As the ward councillors, we hope that, in the light of the lessons learnt from the Ebor trial, any improvements can be adopted not just for the Ascot meeting.

If successful we will press for them to be in place for the other race days on the York calendar.

Coun Sandy Fraser,

Micklegate Ward,

Millfield Road, York.

Updated: 11:15 Tuesday, August 24, 2004