Business leaders back transport solutions wish-list (From York Press)

Business leaders back transport solutions wish-list for York

8:33am Tuesday 18th September 2012 in News By Mark Stead, Political Reporter

BUSINESS leaders have backed a “wish-list” of projects which city leaders want to pursue to ease York’s transport headaches.

The Press revealed yesterday how City of York Council transport chiefs have not abandoned hope of eventually dualling parts of the outer ring road – despite a likely cost of up to £150 million – and aspirations also include a a rail station at Haxby , electric buses and a new Park&Ride site at Clifton Moor . The authority, which is inviting residents to have their say on possible schemes for the next ten to 20 years by emailing futuretransport@york.gov.uk , says external funding will be needed, but greater regional decision-making powers for transport projects could improve their prospects.

Susie Cawood , head of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “There’s no doubt York faces huge transport challenges and we commend the council’s list of schemes to improve transport.

“Reducing congestion and improving public transport are vital for York to compete for inward investment and for existing businesses to prosper and grow. It is imperative these aspirations become reality.”

Adam Sinclair, chairman of York Chamber of Trade, said it was “heartening” to see work being done “across the political and commercial spectrum.”

“We will need to work together to stand a good chance of gaining Government funding, and now is the right time to advance our case,” he said.

Dualling the entire outer ring road was dismissed four years ago because of a potential £264 million cost, but a scaled-down scheme may be possible. Conservative group leader Coun Ian Gillies said this chimed with his party’s aims and would “deliver a major benefit to our city”.

“Consultation should not take long, as most of York’s traders and residents acknowledge the problems, so I look forward to quick, tangible progress,” he said.

However, Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Coun Ann Reid said many of the schemes had been on the table for some time and the Labour-led authority had “not come up with many new ideas”. She said: “Without long-term funding, these projects will not be delivered, and in the short term, Labour should concentrate on getting the basics right.”