Aspden welcomes Fulford Road consultation progress (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Aspden welcomes Fulford Road consultation progress

March 7, 2008 4:48 PM

Cllr Keith Aspden on Main Street Fulford

The results of the consultation on improving Fulford Road Corridor have now been collated by officers and will be reported to the City Strategy Advisory Panel next Monday, 17th March.

A set of improvements were reported at the City Strategy Advisory Panel in October, intending to ease congestion, increase pedestrian and cyclist safety and improve the environment for local residents.

Residents and users of the Fulford Road corridor were then asked to participate in a consultation which covered the section of the A19 from Fishergate in the north, along Fulford Road, Main Street and Selby Road, to the junction with the A64 in the south. Approximately 4, 700 leaflets and questionnaires were distributed to residents and businesses of Fishergate and Fulford, people were able to take part online, and two public meetings were held.

The results of the consultation show that there is general support for the main principles of the proposed strategy, in particular proposals aimed at pedestrians, cyclists and bus users. There was strong support for improving existing traffic signal junctions, and an Urban Traffic Control system has been recommended. Cycle lanes, bus lanes and bus priority measures also received strong support, whilst reducing journey times, and improving the reliability of the bus services were welcomed.

Improving the local environment is a big priority for residents, and 91% of respondents were keen to see that verges and trees in Fulford village are left undisturbed when improvements are made.

Fulford Liberal Democrat Councillor, Keith Aspden, said, "I am pleased that residents in Fulford and nearby areas have had the opportunity to give their views on something which greatly affects their local environment and facilities.

"The results of the consultation show that there is general support for the proposals, and we certainly need to make cycling, pedestrian and congestion improvements along the whole of Selby Road, Main Street and Fulford Road. I am especially pleased to see priority given to the new pedestrian island crossing near Elliot Court as this has been on hold for a while.

"I know that council officers have noted the objections and concerns raised by residents of Selby Road and Naburn Lane, who are in favour of relocating traffic queues beyond residential property. I had a meeting with affected residents during the consultation process, have put forward their views and would like to see further discussions take place with those residents".

The City Strategy Advisory Panel is expected to endorse recommendations for further consultation and proposals in light of the results, and a firm programme of works is expected to be reported in July.