RESIDENTS concerned about speeding traffic on a busy York road were today meeting their ward councillor and council officers to discuss possible road safety measures.

Nearly 400 residents have signed a petition calling for a crossing to be installed in Broadway, Fulford, for people wanting to use the local shops.

The road, which is in a residential area, is a popular route to the University of York and Heslington from the A64 and A19, and concerns about the speed and level of traffic have been growing over the last year.

City of York Council carried out a traffic survey in September, funded by the local ward committee, but Fishergate councillor Andy D'Agorne is not satisfied with its findings. "Traffic would have been lighter then, being outside university term, and the survey ended at 4.30pm, before the evening peak," said Coun D'Agorne.

"Even though there are proposals to cut through traffic if the university expands, I would like to get action sooner to make it safer in the area around the shops.

"We have some funds in the ward budget which may help at least to slow traffic down, but it is not enough for a crossing."

Coun D'Agorne, highways official Mike Durkin and residents were to meet outside the shops in Broadway to look at ways speeds could be cut along the road.

Fulford Parish Council, whose boundary falls just south of Broadway, at Heslington Lane, has called on the city council to commission an independent review of the impact that developments at Germany Beck, the University of York, and Osbaldwick, will have on the A19 and adjoining roads.

Chairman Stephen Kenwright said: "It is certainly the council's belief that the A19 running through Fulford is beyond capacity.

"Any measures to bring down speeds in Broadway will obviously impact on Heslington Lane. I think it should be looked at together."

Updated: 10:53 Tuesday, April 06, 2004