YORK householders have overwhelmingly rejected proposals to introduce residents-only parking outside their homes.

But Fishergate councillor Andy D'Agorne has accused traffic chiefs of wasting money on a "flawed" consultation exercise.

Residents were asked for their views on the proposed introduction of ResPark for the remainder of Grange Garth, Rosedale Street, Hartoft Street, Farndale Street and Levisham Street. More than 90 per cent of them said they did not want it.

But Coun D'Agorne, pictured, claims this was the inevitable outcome as the scheme involved removing parking from one side of the street to comply with a new formula to allow fire engines to pass safely. This standard was introduced following an incident a few years ago in which someone nearly died when an appliance could not get access.

"The consultation was a waste of money," said Coun D'Agorne.

"The scheme they drew up involved removing parking completely from one side of the street, so it was obviously going to be a non-starter. During the evenings these streets are full of cars.

"The whole situation needs looking at again before being taken forward."

Coun D'Agorne said other roads in the area had adopted ResPark with parking on both sides of the street, as they were started before the new formula came into effect.

Meanwhile, another proposed ResPark Scheme for Hambleton Terrace, Rose Street, Belgrave Street, Briggs Street, Hanson Place, Scaife Street and Scaife Gardens, received a poor response from residents.

City of York Council traffic chiefs found that less than 50 per cent of the total replies needed to introduce the scheme were given. But more than 76 per cent of those who did reply were in favour of it.

Officers have recommended that residents in Rose Street are re-consulted on the scheme as the response rate was less than half of the required 50 per cent.

The matter will go before councillors on Thursday, at 2pm.

Updated: 14:33 Friday, January 07, 2005