IT comes as no surprise one of the first proposals from our new transport chief is to remove the residential 20mph speed limits wisely installed by the previous administration (The Press, July 8).

Should he be successful, York would become the only local authority in the country to do so. This will likely destroy York’s reputation as a cycling city.

York has a serious problem with traffic congestion and dangerously high levels of air pollution. With the direction on transport policy the coalition seems to be taking, they don’t appear to be serious about tackling either.

York’s traffic problems stem from the reality our highway network is not able to cope with large volumes of vehicles. The rational thing to do would be to formulate evidence-based policy to reduce dependency on cars and encourage less harmful alternatives, especially for short journeys.

Independent surveys prove the greatest obstacle to the uptake of cycling as a viable form of transport is the perceived danger on our streets from motorised traffic. Installation of 20mph zones is one tactic to combat this, as lower speeds contribute to safer streets for everyone.

If Cllr Ian Gillies is serious about tackling congestion, he needs to ditch this regressive and potentially damaging proposition, and ask our professional council officers to use their specialist knowledge to come up with radical, sustainable ideas to get York moving.

Baz Buchanan, York Cycle Campaign, Teal Drive, York

 

PERHAPS if ex-councillor Anna Semlyen had stood for election in May to test the York electorate’s views on the practical value and cost effectiveness of the 20mph zones that were imposed on the York residents at a cost of £500,000 perhaps her opinion could have been listened to (The Press, July 8).

As such her views can now be disregarded in much the same way as she ignored any contrary views when the Labour-run council carried out their so-called consultations when imposing this pointless scheme in York.

It is time to rid the streets of the ugly forest of poles and signs and, just to allay the fears over City of York Council having to spend public money removing them, as I have said previously and at the first executive meeting once the council revokes the 20mph traffic orders, I will remove all this nonsense from Osbaldwick myself at no cost to the taxpayer.

I look forward to consigning this little fiasco off to the scrapyard.

Mark Warters, Independent councillor for Osbaldwick & Derwent ward

 

THE 20mph scheme was done with the best intentions (The Press, July 8).

At first I was a supporter but as time went on enforcement was difficult to apply and the signs were ignored by many.

That showed the scheme was not going to work, but it was basically to cut the number of accidents in the city.

Of course many felt that the scheme was at least something that would benefit the community.

Looking at the cost of the project, I can understand the opposition from our administration at this time.

It was done with consultation, but it would appear to very little enforcement and support by motorists.

It may have been a bit ambitious, but let us thank the Labour councillor for trying something to reduce accidents.

However, the money may well have been spent on more worthy causes in the city.

In hindsight, as with the Lendal Bridge situation, councillors trying to make a difference failed in the process, but I am not sure that condemnation is the answer for those trying to achieve the impossible within our community.

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, Nunnery Lane, York

 

HERE at Living Streets we were very concerned to hear that plans are being considered to remove lower speed limits in York (The Press, July 8).

20mph works for urban areas, keeping local communities safe.

If a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle at 20mph they have a 97 per cent chance of survival.

Just ten miles per hour faster this drops to only 50 per cent.

20mph also creates a better environment for those who live and work in the city and makes our streets a friendlier place to be.

This is a backward step in creating a better York and is contrary to the approach other progressive cities are making throughout the UK.

People and their safety have to be a priority at all times and should not be overlooked in the decision making process.

Jennifer Wiles, Director, Yorkshire and Humber region, Living Streets, Wentworth Street, London