AN EXPERIMENTAL traffic scheme designed to protect one of York's oldest landmarks is set to continue for a further trial period - with some adjustments.

Concerns over the safety of cyclists and pedestrians crossing at the junction between the mediaeval Walmgate Bar, Foss Islands Road and Lawrence Street, were raised by council planning chiefs at a meeting last night.

Also up for debate was the issue of added traffic congestion, which has posed problems both for motorists and the bus company First, whose passengers have experienced delays since motor vehicles were banned from travelling under the Barbican arch in November.

In an attempt to resolve both of these issues - safety and long queues of traffic - a number of amendments to the trial was agreed.

Changes include installing a vehicle detection system, whereby sensors can tell whether a bicycle or a bus is waiting to cross the junction.

Detection of either of these will result in an extra seven seconds for the green light signal, making a total of 14 seconds.

This longer limit is intended to allow for greater protection for cyclists trying to turn right from Walmgate towards the Barbican Centre and from Lawrence Street to Foss Islands Road.

Peter Evely, City of York Council's head of network management, said: "The issue of cyclists' safety is of paramount importance, and we have been in talks with bus company First, who are happy for the trial to continue, in the interests of protecting the bar."

In order to protect pedestrians at crossing points, guard rails are to be installed beside the pavement.

Tracey Simpson-Laing, Labour opposition transport spokeswoman, asked that disabled groups and blind and partially-sighted charities be notified of this change.

She said: "People will have got used to a certain system for crossing the road there, so we must make sure that we notify those groups of the changes we are proposing." Coun Simpson-Laing also suggested there be additional signs put in place to encourage cyclists to access the Barbican Centre from Walmgate using George Street.

Mr Evely said the option of signage would be investigated and a report made to planning chiefs, who will review the three-month trial when it comes to a close, to decide whether or not to proceed.

Ann Reid, planning and transport executive member, said: "I want us to try everything before we abandon this scheme, because I think Walmgate Bar is too important just to say: 'Oh, we haven't got it quite right first time, let's go back to how it was before'."

Updated: 10:00 Thursday, February 03, 2005