Families ‘fear for their safety’ on York street because of speeding drivers

Cars, lorries and buses are routinely breaking the speed limit on a York street – leaving residents fearing for their safety.

That’s the message from Clifton ward councillors regarding Burton Stone Lane, who have handed in a residents’ petition demanding action.

People who live at the southern end of the street say previous speed reduction measures have been unsuccessful, and that buses, heavy goods vehicles and other traffic routinely exceed the 20mph speed limit where the road comes up close to narrow pavements and people’s front doors.

“People with pushchairs, cyclists and pedestrians are all put off using this stretch of road because of excessive speeds and concerns over safety,” said Clifton ward councillor Margaret Wells (Labour).

As speed humps and speed indicator signs have failed to reduce speeds, a new scheme was drawn up. It includes ‘build-outs’ designed to slow traffic, with each direction having to give way as traffic flows dictate.

But Clifton councillors say the scheme has stalled – and have handed in the petition to the council’s executive member responsible for roads, Cllr Andy D’Agorne.

“We’re approaching almost three years since this scheme was first discussed with council officers, and almost eight months since ward councillors and residents received a report on what measures could be taken,” said Cllr Danny Myers (Labour).

“Residents themselves undertook speed monitoring to provide the evidence that measures were needed, so it’s very disappointing that progress has stalled.”

Scheme will be prioritised

Tony Clarke, head of transport at City of York Council said: “The council have been investigating proposals to improve traffic calming measures within the 20mph zone on Burton Stone Lane after concerns were raised by local residents around vehicle speeds and existing measures in place to help manage speeds.

“A report on the proposals was issued to ward members and this was shared with local residents. The feedback from local residents was used to refine the original layout and the amended proposal was issued to ward members and approval to proceed to the design stage was received in mid-June.

“Unfortunately, due to resource issues, there has been a delay in progressing the scheme since then however we are now in a position to develop the designs further over the coming weeks.

“I appreciate that the issues raised about vehicle speeds on Burton Stone Lane are of a significant concern to local residents. As such, this scheme will be prioritised and efforts will be made to progress the design as quickly as we can.

“The proposals will be developed and a consultation exercise will be undertaken with residents, key road user groups and stakeholders. This will provide residents with further opportunity to comment on the proposals to enable the most effective scheme to be designed.

“Once the designs has been completed, a decision will be made by the executive member for transport on progression to implementation stage.”