I AM concerned about the pedestrianisation of High Petergate. For more than 20 years I have been the proprietor of Fosters jewellers. During that time I have neither witnessed, nor been aware of, any accident or indeed conflict taking place between pedestrians, cyclists or drivers in the street.

On the contrary, the 'limited' car parking that was available in High Petergate, and which was so very useful to the business community and our customers, was in itself a 'traffic calming' measure, because it was not possible to drive at speed alongside a row of parked vehicles.

However, since the start of the pedestrianisation scheme on June 26, High Petergate has been clear of parked vehicles allowing the through traffic a clear, straight and reasonably wide road in which I have witnessed speeds above 40mph. This traffic, weaving around unsuspecting pedestrians and cyclists, seem to believe that not only is the street exclusively for their use, but is also two-way traffic! This has led to several near accidents and many heated exchanges during the last two weeks.

When is City of York Council going to wake up to the idea that not everything can be achieved on a minimal budget?

If, as it would appear, we must accept pedestrianisation, then surely this must involve more than just crudely removing old road markings and sticking up a couple of signs which make our street look unused and neglected. If a very serious accident is to be prevented, then 'traffic calming' is necessary.

Together with other business owners, I would be interested to hear if the council plans to improve this area with attractive paving and public seating areas which would help to prevent the street being used as a rat-run. It would achieve a proper pedestrian scheme not just another street where cars, and their occupants, are unwelcome.

Tim Foster,

Fosters of York,

High Petergate, York.