A RESIDENT who claims his life is plagued by vibrations from "speeding" buses today hit out at safety plans aimed at tackling the problem.

Retired policeman Paul Wright says his house shakes and ornaments rattle when First York buses go over a speed bump outside his Haxby bungalow.

Mr Wright, 51, claims some 11-tonne buses - using the busy route at ten-minute intervals in peak times - hit the table at up to 40mph in a 30mph zone.

His wife, Pat, who works nights, once had to move to her daughter's house to get sleep.

He he said a council environmental report said vibration levels were "likely to have an adverse impact" on his quality of life.

After other complaints from long-suffering Oak Tree Lane residents, council chiefs recently met First in an effort to tackle the problem.

Both sides said talks were positive.

Now, as part of summer road safety work at neighbouring Headlands Primary School, yellow lines will stop cars obstructing the speed table run up, a 20mph speed limit will be introduced and new markings will help buses over traffic-calming bumps. Resurfacing work is also planned.

But despite months of protest, Mr Wright believes this will make little difference.

He said: "Our life is being badly affected by this, and the only thing the council can come up with is something cosmetic which is not really going to solve the problem.

"It's frustrating and annoying - we have to live with this 365 days a year."

He said City of York Council, with school safety still very much in mind, should consider introducing a 'chicane' style calming system.

Mike Durkin, council transport and safety project manager, said: "We have listened to residents' concerns and will be making some changes to the road and speed table near Headlands School.

"This will include putting down yellow lines to prevent parked cars obstructing vehicles' run up to the speed table. New road markings should also encourage cars and buses to take the correct route, which should reduce any noise and vibration."

Peter Edwards, First commercial manager, said in February drivers had been asked to pay attention to speeds in the area.

"Traffic should drive according to conditions," he said.

Jonathan May, First managing director, said: "We are aware of the residents' concerns and we have already met with local councillors and Ann Reid (city council executive member for transport) to discuss ways of addressing this problem."

Updated: 08:37 Friday, April 09, 2004