TRAFFIC chiefs are recommending the introduction of an "intelligent bollard" to curb traffic congestion through a York village.

The scheme is preferred to other options which have been under consideration to tackle congestion in Heslington Lane - a road toll or closing the road completely to all through traffic.

City of York Council traffic officers want to install the intelligent bollard - which would allow local residents access - on the main road between Fulford and Heslington in an effort to cut future congestion from the proposed University of York expansion.

They estimate that traffic flow at peak times would increase by more than a quarter if the Heslington East development gets the green light.

The views of more than 2,500 residents in Heslington, Badger Hill and parts of Fulford, were sought on the issue and 54 per cent chose the bollard as their preferred option. Thirty-four per cent of residents called on the council to "do nothing" about the congestion, while four per cent said they were in favour of the road toll scheme.

Of those who voted for the bollard, 40 per cent selected the area for local residents to be "those who live between Fulford Road and Hull Road that access on to Heslington Lane, Broadway, and Field Lane".

Other measures recommended to accompany the bollard include:

Advance warning signs to alert drivers to the access restriction at the Heslington village roundabout and at the Broadway/Heslington Lane mini-roundabout

CCTV surveillance and flashing warning signs so that the bollard might be brought into operation safely on a part time basis.

In a report to members, traffic engineer Alistair Briggs said: "New technologies, such as intelligent bollards and automatic number plate recognition, have made it possible to introduce access restrictions that can be 'policed' without the involvement of the police.

"The introduction of an intelligent bollard would be a stricter restriction than normal in that those who live outside the designated zone, but have a legitimate reason for entering the area may be unable to take the most direct route due to them not being eligible for a pass."

The matter will go before the executive member for planning and transport on Wednesday, June 2, at the Guildhall.

Updated: 10:44 Monday, May 24, 2004