A TRIAL part-time ban of private vehicles crossing Lendal Bridge is a sensible initiative to reclaim our centre from unsafe levels of pollution and congestion.

If critics of the scheme read the full Cabinet report, this was first considered at the time of the original pedestrianisation and is in line with a vision to create better public space in Exhibition Square, cut traffic and potentially create a bus interchange at the station.

Look at any modern European city and you will find priority routes for public transport, pedestrian-friendly squares, safe cycle routes and low-speed streets.

A trial will allow signal and layout glitches to be ironed out and traders to consider whether a longer ban could work for their businesses. ANPR technology could allow low emission delivery vehicles through a 7am to 7pm ban.

Let’s talk about options and solutions for our historic city, to replace creeping gridlock. One thing is certain: to create a world-class place with a growing population something drastic needs to happen. This could be the start.

Leaving things as they are isn’t an option, this uses government funding imaginatively and could secure more punctual bus services across the city.

Coun Andy D’Agorne, Green Party, Broadway West, York.