SPEEDING drivers are causing so much concern in a York street that homeowners want the council to block off the road.

But highways chiefs are unlikely to sanction the move in St Philip's Grove, Clifton, despite a petition signed by 38 people.

Residents sent the petition to City of York Council last September citing concerns about the road, which runs parallel to Water Lane and connects Burdyke Avenue and Spalding Avenue. They asked for it to be blocked or to have traffic calming measures put in place.

A report to a meeting of City of York Council's city strategy advisory panel, on June 7, reveals that St Philip's Grove is not well used by traffic, and a seven-day speed survey showed that 91 per cent of vehicles were travelling within the speed limit.

The report, written by road safety officer Tom Bryant, also shows that no casualties had been identified on the road between 2002 and the end of 2005.

Mr Bryant writes: "The data does not identify a measurable speed problem or a casualty record on St Philip's Grove. However, it is apparent that the residents of St Philip's Grove feel threatened by traffic."

He has proposed councillors agree to respond to residents' concerns with a Community Speed Watch initiative.

Residents would be encouraged to sign up to a speed pledge and would be provided with publicity materials including wheelie bin and car stickers bearing the message "it's our neighbourhood, watch your speed".

If Coun Ann Reid, the council's city strategy boss, agrees, St Philip's Grove could be added to the list of sites for a potential deployment of a temporary Speed Indication Device, which flashes up the words Slow Down when drivers exceed the speed limit.

But Ken King, Clifton ward councillor, said he was unhappy so little was being turn to curb drivers on what he said was a rat run for motorists looking to avoid congestion on Water Lane.

"I am disappointed in the comments and reactions of our officers," he said. "Residents have contacted me on a few occasions and I have been in St Philip's Grove myself and witnessed speeding. If residents in a particular area are concerned that cars are coming in and making life difficult because they are speeding, it is up to the council to take some tough action and try and correct the situation. I have sent letters to the council telling them I would like to see some physical barriers to reduce speeding."