LETTERS published in The Press between myself and Keith Thornton seem to be like a game of ping-pong.

Mr Thornton asks “Will Coun James Alexander explain to residents through The Press why the Lendal Bridge trial is for only 6½ hours a day; does he think those hours will give an accurate enough picture to close the bridge on a permanent basis?” (Letters, February 26).

The trial included the same restriction hours as for city-centre pedestrianisation so as not have an adverse effect on deliveries to traders that should be occurring outside of these hours.

It was thought by my colleagues that the hours being congruous with pedestrianisation would also lead to less confusion for motorists.

Once the trial data on traffic flow, economic impact, footfall, car parking use, bus reliability, bus patronage and public feedback is analysed, the choice will be between making the current trial permanent, removing the restriction or varying the times of the restriction.

Mr Thornton can always contact me direct should he wish to. My mobile number is on the council’s website and has been for the past seven years.

Coun James Alexander, Labour Leader City of York Council.

 

• ON JANUARY 8, 1863, Lendal Bridge was opened, providing vital access for the people of York to the rapidly developing railway service.

Until 1894 tolls were levied on all users.

The current trial would seem to be in direct opposition to the original purpose of Lendal Bridge (other than the generation of income).

Despite protestations that the exercise is not dedicated to generating income, the large numbers of visitors falling foul of the restriction will view it differently.

The total lack of advice on any warning sign of the financial penalty involved in crossing the bridge leads a lost visitor, led by his sat-nav, into simply taking the only option open to them.

Will they come back?

Probably not.

JA Whitmore, Springfield Road, York.

 

• I so agree with Colin Richardson on his observations of a part-time trial (Letters, February 21). Yes I am talking Lendal Bridge again!

I have been putting forward this point of view since the part closure. I asked Coun James Alexander this very question live on BBC Radio York recently and as usual got a fudged reply.

Thank goodness for The Press and BBC Radio York; they are our only voice. I suspect Mr Alexander would hardly dare to bring in the 7am to 7pm timing as it is a vote loser. The working population of York will deem this a step too far.

Elizabeth M Harris, Kirkwell, Bishopthorpe, York.

 

• FOR only the second time in my life I feel compelled to complain about the Labour-run City of York Council.

I have been a Labour voter all my life but I am at my wits’ end with recent traffic issues around York.

Being someone who drives in and around the city every day, I am amazed that these people are still blind to the problems the closure of Lendal Bridge has caused. Please just for once put your hands up and admit you got it wrong.

The money being spent on so-called expert advice on so many recent issues is bordering on madness. A selection of experienced motorists from around the city could sit around a table and point you in the right direction in minutes.

Here are a few of my own suggestions:

1. Reopen Lendal bridge with immediate effect.

2. Stop buses from parking at Nunnery Lane/ Prices Lane junction.

3. Reopen large roundabout at town side of Skeldergate Bridge.

4. Selective turning off of traffic light sets at peak periods; trust in common sense.

5. Stop meddling in things that already work.

Kevin Potter, Argyle Street, South Bank, York.