Golden opportunity to pedestrianise more of city centre

I AM writing with regard to the introduction of the trial restrictions on Lendal Bridge, York.

The introduction of a trial restriction of traffic over 
Lendal Bridge has produced a great deal of commentary regarding the pros and cons of the scheme, however very little space has been given over to alternative ideas for reducing traffic and improving the city centre.

I propose a scheme centred around the pedestrianisation of Ouse Bridge.

This, I am sure, will have better results for the whole city.

With the fire station on 
Clifford Street currently being relocated, and if we also re-open the Piccadilly entrance to Castlegate car park, we could pedestrianise the whole of Clifford Street.

The garden by the river could then be expanded up to Clifford’s Tower and the Boer War Memorial, which is currently lost in a roundabout and mostly ignored or unnoticed by residents and tourists.

Coppergate, which is too narrow for traffic and has seen a number of incidents between buses and pedestrians, could also be closed, making it a safer and 
a more attractive street.

We can extend the pedestrianised zone along most of Micklegate, leaving Rougier Street, George Hudson Street and Skeldergate open to through traffic.

This would give the area a much needed boost.

Instead of more city centre green space and a large expansion of the pedestrian zone we have an unpopular traffic restriction on Lendal Bridge.

My idea would certainly help footfall along the newly pedestrianised streets and would significantly reduce vehicle capacity in the city centre, more so than the current trial and proposal.

Traffic restrictions on Lendal Bridge should only occur further down the line, once provision for alternative travel is completed. Let us wait until after the completion of expanded park and ride facilities, after improving cycling routes and after successfully getting Haxby and Strensall stations reopened.

From: Terry Duncan, Greame Road, Bridlington, East Yorkshire.

WE visit York about once a month on a shopping trip.

This past weekend, we were amazed by the number of pavement beggars on one of the city’s tourist routes, from Coppergate to the end of Coney Street.

We counted 16, wrapped in old quilts or cardboard boxes all mumbling to us – “God bless you” – as we passed by.

All looked pretty fit to us, many were smoking – not cheap today. It was an indictment on the ancient City of York, making us think they were on benefits, as they spoke with English accents.

Why does the UK Government condone these scroungers and their likes nationwide?

Put them to work and remove their cash subsidies now!