RESIDENTS living on a notorious York rat-run are uniting with their councillors to demand action to improve safety.

They say motorists are increasingly using the east end of North Lane, in Huntington, as a short cut between the A64 and A1237, avoiding the Hopgrove roundabout.

They believe this is due to the expansion of Monks Cross and problems with the A1237.

Huntington Parish Council has tried in the past to get the 60mph country lane closed to through traffic, but City of York Council has so far taken no action.

North Lane resident Karen Sanderson told the Evening Press she had an accident last autumn as she turned into her driveway and another motorist failed to stop in time.

"We get lorries and all sorts flying along, and people do not drive for the conditions of the road at all," she said.

"It is like Wacky Races."

Residents also say that at peak times, traffic queues back from the junction with the A64, the road is littered with potholes and the edges are crumbling and it is not on the council's designated gritting route, so becomes extremely treacherous in winter.

Neighbour Ian Pybus said: "We moved here 20 years ago and our quality of life gets worse and worse."

The chairman of Huntington Parish Council, Peter Vaughan, last week sent a letter to 20 households on the effected part of North Lane and he received a "phenomenal" response, with replies to each one.

Coun Vaughan said: "The road is not designed for the purpose that it is now used. We will not find a solution that pleases everyone, but action is long overdue."

He said possible options for the road could include creating a cul-de-sac, building a bypass or introducing speed-restrictions and traffic calming measures.

North Lane firm Gardencare has expressed concern that closure of the road would hit passing trade, but director Andrew Tagg said they would support efforts to slow traffic down and improve road conditions.

Huntington councillors Carol Runciman, Keith Orrell and Keith Hyman have all lent their support to the campaign and now plan to lobby officers to undertake a traffic survey in the area.

Coun Runicman said: "This is a very long-standing problem. I don't think people realise the extent because it is off the beaten track."

The problem will be discussed by Huntington Parish Council at its meeting next Wednesday.

Updated: 08:35 Wednesday, March 10, 2004