TRANSPORT chiefs are to investigate pedestrianising one of the busiest stretches of York's inner ring road.

Council leader Steve Galloway has revealed that the long-term feasibility of barring traffic from St Leonard's Place is one of many ideas being explored as the city's Local Transport Plan is revised.

He says such a move could - at a stroke - rid the city centre of one of its worst pollution and congestion blackspots.

It could turn the area around historic Bootham Bar and in front of the City Art Gallery, currently spoilt by constant traffic, into a peaceful square to be enjoyed by residents and tourists.

"It would allow people to enjoy historic buildings such as Bootham Bar without being surrounded by traffic," he said.

But he stressed that such a scheme could only go ahead in conjunction with other major transport projects, in particular:

major improvements to the outer ring road

l the construction of a proposed new road through the York Central "teardrop" site, behind York railway station.

He said much of the traffic using St Leonard's Place and Lendal Bridge to get across the city would be encouraged to go instead on the improved Outer Ring Road.

People would also be encouraged to use improved public transport instead of cars.

But the residue of traffic would have to take a new route through York Central and then across the Ouse at Clifton Bridge.

Traffic wanting to rejoin the existing inner ring road at Lord Mayor's Walk would then either travel along Bootham and Gillygate, or go through Kingsway North, Crichton Avenue and Wigginton Road.

Coun Galloway stressed that the pedestrianisation suggestion was only a long-term possibility.

He said a number of options were possible. All traffic could be completely barred, or restrictions might only be in place at certain times, such as off-peak hours. Some form of public transport might need to continue using the street as a through route.

Coun Galloway said other streets would also be considered for possible traffic bans or restrictions, including Micklegate and Fossgate, and he would welcome any other suggestions put forward by the public.

He said closure of St Leonard's Place would be the most radical pedestrianisation scheme since through traffic was barred in city centres streets such as Coney Street and Parliament Street in the late 1980s.

When those schemes were first proposed, there had been an outcry, with traders fearing a slump in business. But the scheme had proved a massive success, with businesses enjoying a boost in trade as shoppers flocked to enjoy the improved shopping environment.

What do you think? Email mike.laycock@ycp.co.uk using the above link, or write to Mike Laycock, Evening Press, 76 Walmgate, York Y01 9YN.

Updated: 10:30 Monday, November 10, 2003