Park and ride set for green light

Proposals for the 10m facility to help alleviate traffic queues on the west side of the city have been mooted for the last decade, but blueprints for the project are now expected to be approved.

The development, to create 1,250 parking spaces on the fringes of York at Upper Poppleton, has provoked widespread opposition from residents.

But senior councillors have stressed that many of the residents' concerns have been allayed following a widespread public consultation, and claimed that the scheme was fundamental to preventing traffic levels dramatically escalating.

It is also seen as vital to improving transport links to the proposed development of one of England's largest brownfield sites – the York Central scheme around the city's railway station and the nearby former British Sugar factory.

York Council's executive member for city strategy, Steve Galloway, said: "I cannot stress enough how important it is to get approval for the park and ride development at Upper Poppleton.

"We have consulted widely on the proposals and I do believe we have gone a long way to satisfying concerns of the public.

"The scheme is vital to helping reduce the potential increases in traffic levels, and it is one of the most important transport projects in York."

It is estimated that the number of vehicles on York's roads could increase by as much as 28 per cent by 2021, and councillors have admitted that continuing with existing transport policies is not an option.

The introduction of congestion charging is among the most contentious proposals being considered, although Coun Galloway has voiced his opposition to the use of road tolls.

He claimed that the Upper Poppleton scheme, as well as two new park and ride facilities at Askam Bar and Clifton Moor, could mean that the congestion charging plans do not need to be pursued.

Government approval is still needed for a 25m funding package for the development of the three park and ride schemes, although it is hoped that a decision will be made ahead of the forthcoming General Election.

A further 3m in funding will be provided by York Council, developers and the sale of the existing Askham Bar park and ride site, which is due to be relocated and doubled in size.

However, the Upper Poppleton project is expected to take up the majority of the funding and is due to cost in the region of 10m.

It is aimed at helping reduce traffic congestion on the A59, a notorious bottleneck for motorists heading to and from Harrogate and Leeds.

The park and ride facility will also reduce tailbacks on the outer ring road which was dubbed.

The scheme earmarked for Northfield Lane also involves improving the A59 roundabout as well as creating a passenger building using environmentally-friendly construction techniques.

A 50ft wind turbine is also due to be introduced to provide a source of renewable energy.

Concerns had been expressed by residents that the new facility would actually increase congestion and that roads through Upper Poppleton would be used as rat runs. However, only nine letters of objection have been received by York Council.

Council officers have noted that the development site falls on greenbelt land, but they have claimed landscaping will help minimise the impact on the surrounding countryside.

York Council's planning committee meets on Thursday next week when members are recommended to approve the plans.