RESIDENTS are calling for a "green wave" traffic light scheme to help beat congestion on a major road in York.

Coun Andy D'Agorne, leader of City of York Council's Green Party group, said synchronising traffic lights to ensure a smoother flow of traffic was suggested at a public meeting about plans to reduce A19 congestion through Fulford and Fishergate.

The councillor also backed our campaign in support of the city's planned bid for £160 million of Government cash that could be used to dual some of the outer ring road.

Coun D'Agorne said others at the public meeting at the Danesgate Centre, in Fulford Cross, wanted lower speeds and more cycle lanes, with "bold action" being called for by some of the people present.

City of York Council is consulting local residents and businesses on proposed improvements on the A19 Fulford Road, which include making improvements to the traffic lights at Hospital Fields Road.

It hopes that move would reduce delays for buses, improve safety for cyclists and increase the overall capacity of the junction.

Coun D'Agorne said: "I will personally be taking up some issues raised by local residents straight away.

"I will be pressing for police and road safety to investigate speeding issues and reports of motorists failing to stop at red lights on the pedestrian crossing near Kilburn Road.

"I have also discussed concerns of residents in Maple Grove about parking by commuters who work at businesses in Hospital Fields Road."

He said he backed our campaign, while stressing he would like to see more emphasis on sustainable transport, echoing City of York MP Hugh Bayley's call for funding to turn York into a "cycling city".

The Press is encouraging readers to get behind our Access York campaign, which also appeals to the Government to support a bid the city is lining up for money to fund three new Park&Ride sites.

The petition, which is aimed at beating congestion in York, also calls upon the Government to back a proposed Highways Agency bid for cash to pay for upgrades to the Hopgrove Roundabout.

Council leader Steve Galloway said in terms of the outer ring road, the cash would be spent first on upgrading particular junctions on it.

He said the council would only make a decision on whether sections of the road could be dualled after its consultants had supplied it with a report, which would recommend how best to reduce congestion.