LABOUR’S decision to block a Liberal Democrat attempt to reopen Lendal Bridge is bad news for residents who use Clifton Bridge.

Since the trial started last August, Clifton Bridge has suffered most as congestion is moved from Lendal Bridge to other parts of the city.

Residents in Rawcliffe, Clifton and elsewhere say that journeys are taking longer and the council’s own statistics back up these claims.

Hundreds more cars are crossing Water End at Clifton Bridge since the closure – in January 315 more cars per hour crossed Clifton Bridge during the closure hours compared to the same month in 2013. This is a 28 per cent increase in traffic flow.

Other months are little better. In September traffic was up 13 per cent; in October 15 per cent; in November 14 per cent; in December 12 per cent; in January 28 per cent and in February 17 per cent.

The Park & Ride service coming from this side of the city (Rawcliffe Bar to Museum Street) is, unsurprisingly, showing an increase in journey times.

The trial has not decreased congestion – it has just moved it to other parts of the city. It is time for Labour to recognise this and reopen Lendal Bridge.

Mark Waudby, Liberal Democrat spokesman for Skelton, Rawcliffe and Clifton Without, Howard Drive, Rawcliffe, York.