FEARS that a roundabout enlargement could lead to a Park & Ride site in Poppleton have caused councillors to examine plans.

Liberal Democrats have "called in" proposals to enlarge the A59 junction with the A1237, which means they will undergo greater scrutiny.

It follows suggestions that its enlargement could make it suitable for Park & Ride.

Ann Reid, the Liberal Democrat's planning and transport shadow executive member, said: "We have no arguments with the concept of improving and enlarging roundabouts to improve traffic flows and safety along the northern ring road.

"However, reference to future Park & Ride facilities in the area causes us some concern as this element has not been properly explained."

David Young, the council's principal engineer for highway development, said a Park & Ride site on the A59 was being considered, although its position was yet to be determined.

And he recommended that plans for the enlargement be deferred while the future use of the junction is reviewed.

The Liberal Democrats say they support both the proposals for the enlargement and the principles of Park & Ride, but are concerned that the proper process is followed. Quentin Macdonald, the Liberal Democrat councillor who represents Poppleton, said: "I am concerned about the relationship between the enlarged roundabout and possible sites for a future Park & Ride in the vicinity.

"Given the sensitivity surrounding the provision of this kind of facility, I would not want to see this scheme used as a back door attempt to site a Park & Ride in the vicinity without all the normal analysis and consultation taking place."

Coun Derek Smallwood, Labour's spokesman for planning and transport, denied the application had anything to do with Park & Ride.

He said: "We are not daft enough to think that we could try to manufacture conditions by which we could get such a site in through the back door.

"Whatever happens to Park & Ride, this roundabout needs to be improved. Anyone who has been there at peak times sees the problems, and the enlargement is to deal with that.

"Any future proposals for Park & Ride would still need to be subject to the normal conditions and consultation."