Pundit is stumped by traffic ban on bridge

The pundit asked for advice from his Twitter followers about the best route to take across the city after learning of a current six-month trial which bans vehicles from using the bridge during daytime hours and which could leave drivers with a £60 fine if they flout the rules.

In one tweet, posted by Mr Lloyd, he said: “..sat nav sends you over Lendal ...Council love that...you get fined....”

Darren Richardson, York Council’s director of city and environmental services, said yesterday: “We’d like to thank Mr Lloyd for helping to raise awareness of the six-month Lendal Bridge trial. This supports our package of communications including a city wide consultation, leaflets sent to all households and public exhibition events.

“Satnav companies have advised us that devices are not currently able to incorporate the restrictions because this is not a permanent scheme.”

However Mr Richardson said a comprehensive system of signs had been put in place to inform drivers of the restrictions, which came into force in August and ban cars, motorbikes and vans from using the bridge between 10.30am and 5pm.

The Labour-run council has said the ban will help cut congestion and pollution but opponents say it is harming trade for local businesses.

The council recently welcomed a report by the Campaign for Better Transport which highlighted how a city’s economy could be boosted if the links between train stations and high streets were improved.