A TRAFFIC lane which was controversially removed from a busy York junction has been reinstated.

The left-hand filter lane at the junction of Clifton Green and Water End was taken away in 2009 to make more space for cyclists, but the changes were blamed for longer queues of cars in the area.

City of York Council ’s Labour group pledged to reinstate the car lane when it took control of the authority at last year’s local elections and the work, which cost £12,000, has now been completed.

Clifton councillors David Scott , Ken King and Helen Douglas had campaigned for the return of the lane.

Coun Scott said: “This change should see traffic moving more freely and queues running into Clifton Green reduced.

“I’m delighted with this outcome after working for so long to get this change made, and while I know we have more work to do to help residents in the affected streets, I hope this will be the start of the improvements needed.”

Emergency services and cycling campaigners had called for the cycle route to remain and council officers admitted it would make the area less safe for bikes but said returning to the original layout would cut congestion.