RADICAL solutions to York's traffic problems must be publicly debated to avoid major future snarl-ups and possible gridlock, a former city council leader has warned.

Dave Merrett, leader of the opposition Labour group on City of York Council, said that doing nothing was not an option as York continued to grow, and that a "city-wide" solution was needed to the traffic issue.

He pointed to major developments planned for both sides of the city, such as Hungate and the Barbican in the east and York Central in the west.

Coun Merrett said ideas such as charging tolls on some roads or shutting down all new development in the city would have to be debated.

He said other ideas that should be on the table were tighter restrictions on car use at new developments, linked to improved public transport, or a major urban road building programme.

He agreed some ideas for tackling traffic would be hugely controversial, and said some, such as the road building idea, would be "completely unacceptable" or could not be financed.

But he said: "I think the evidence from the Local Transport Plan consultation we did in 2000 shows that York residents recognise that things are going to have to change.

"The key issue is to ensure that all practical options are put in front of York's residents."

Ann Reid, the council's executive member for planning and transport, said that a major debate would take place during consultation on the second Local Transport Plan.

She said there would not be "a glossy leaflet through every letterbox", but ward committees, parish councils and the internet would all be used as consultation methods.

There would also be meetings held for people likely to be affected by the plan.

Coun Reid said: "With the second plan we will be building on what we have already got. Some things will come in, others will go out."

Coun Reid confirmed that not introducing congestion charges remained Liberal Democrat policy for the lifetime of this council.

But she said she expected the issue to be debated again, especially now evidence from other cities was available, and expected further debate on inner ring road restrictions.

Updated: 08:37 Wednesday, February 04, 2004