Such arrogance

Peter Evely said "what we need to get across to Joe Public is that they are responsible for the solution" (Evening Press, April 27).

Who he is to refer to the populace as "Joe Public"? Does he think he is an entity set apart from the rest of us?

Mr Evely should remember he is what used to be called a public servant, and be more respectful when speaking about those who pay his salary.

He must realise most people don't drive on the city roads for fun. It is usually to get to work on time, ensure their children arrive safely and on time for school or other business reasons for which York's abysmal public transport system is totally unsuitable.

As for toll roads, "intelligent" bollards and road closures, most drivers are under the impression that paying a huge amount for a road fund licence entitles them to drive on the public highway.

On one hand Mr Evely says car use must be curbed, on the other that an application for development cannot be refused on the basis of extra traffic.

Why not?

If existing roads will be unable to cope with extra vehicles, development plans should include a whole new access road and if that is not possible, then planning should be refused.

This applies especially to the vast proposal for the university.

If all roads which have been closed to vehicles were reopened, drivers would be able to work out their best route without these massive jams created, in the main, by the council.

Janet S Kitchen,

Ashley Park Road,

York.

...FOLLOWING the progress of City of York Council it has become more obvious to me that the elected councillors do not make policy decisions but merely rubber stamp the views of council employees.

The Labour council was ousted at the last election because of its unpopular policies, particularly on transport, and yet we see exactly the same approach by the Liberals who have made no impact whatsoever.

If, as I suspect, non-elected employees make decisions then it goes a long way to explaining why the city's transport system has degenerated into such an abysmal fiasco.

Let's face it, the best way of securing your long-term future would be to make as much of a mess as possible and then try to convince the electorate you are making every effort to put it right.

We only have to look at Heslington Lane and University New Road to get an idea of this.

What other possible reason could there be for putting bollards in the centre of the road at a bus stop other than to obstruct traffic?

We read Peter Evely's thoughts on how to approach the problems in Heslington Lane and, apart from "doing nothing", they are expensive and counter productive.

We do not hear him suggest the easiest and most cost effective solution - remove the bollards altogether.

Put in place a lower speed limit and enforce it with speed cameras. Although cameras are unpopular, it would keep traffic moving, reduce pollution and frustration and be self financing because those who exceed the limit would pay with fines. Of course, this is far too simple.

John Miller,

Driving examiner for the Institute of Advanced Motorists,

Hunters Close,

Dunnington. York.

...A SIMPLE solution. Ban all vehicles from within the outer ring road, no mater whether they belong to residents, visitors or workers. No more school run or rush hour congestion, what bliss!

Everyone can carry their heavy bags of shopping home on the bus, and musicians with bulky instruments, such as double basses, harps or timpani, will have to use public transport.

Just think of all those empty York driveways, garages and defunct car parks. It could provide more space on which to build expensive apartments.

Felicity Jones,

Main Street,

Heslington, York.

Updated: 10:13 Thursday, May 06, 2004