Plans for a park and ride site at Monks Cross have been pushed forward by £2.3 million of Government cash.

The chairman of City of York Council's planning and transport committee, Dave Merrett, said the money would fund preliminary design work for the new site.

It will also be spent on improvements to the roundabout at the A19 and Outer Ring Road junction, easing congestion and allowing direct access to the Rawcliffe Bar park and ride site due to open next year. Pedestrian and cycling facilities will be improved in the city and accident reducing studies made.

The cash was announced by Transport Minister Lord Macdonald as part of a national £754 million package for transport improvements.

Coun Merrett said: "Without this money no doubt a lot of these schemes would have been put on hold.

"I think over the years City of York Council has had a very clear track record in terms of promoting green transport, with one of the best park and ride schemes in the country and a great record for cycling and road safety improvements.

"I think that would have been taken on board when the Government decided to give this money."

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