York is one big traffic jam

This time last year the railways were plunged into chaos by the Hatfield crash. Suddenly, routine journeys that millions relied on became a nightmare game of delays, cancellations and chance.

Although the rail industry remains in crisis, trains are now running more or less to timetable. But just as one transport network begins to operate with something approaching efficiency, another grinds to a halt.

Thousands of people were imprisoned on York's roads last night as two emergencies conspired with inept transport planning to apply the brakes to an entire city.

It was unfortunate that the fire on Hull Road and the gas leak on Castle Mills Bridge coincided at rush hour. But these things happen. They are bound to slow commuters' homeward journeys. They should never cause the sort of gridlock experienced last night - not least because it slows the emergency services to danger point.

Even before these twin misfortunes, national radio traffic reports were advising motorists to avoid York. Due largely to the mismanagement of the A64 upgrade, congestion has become a way of life.

Roads are the arteries of the city. They circulate the lifeblood of business, bringing in tourists and shoppers, sending out deliveries and sales teams.

If they become too choked with traffic, the economy is damaged. That is already happening. Shoppers and tourists are going elsewhere. Business people are missing appointments.

The A64 roadworks are due to last another year. For the sake of York's economic health, a way to improve traffic flows must be found.

Unlike rail passengers, motorists do not have their own committee to hold the highways authorities to account. It is up to York's business leaders to become the voice of the road user: they should meet the Highways Agency and city council to demand improvements.

York, visitors often comment, is a work of art. It cannot afford to become a still life.

Updated: 10:52 Thursday, October 18, 2001