A complete ban on cars in York city centre has come top of a "wish list" drawn up by residents.

Traffic featured strongest in a survey of bugbears that also included dog fouling, The Stonebow and the Micklegate Run.

Asked to name the worst thing about York, nearly a third of those questioned condemned traffic, in spite of the city's pioneering efforts to keep the centre car-free.

One in 10 said the worst things were litter, dog fouling and horse mess, while others nominated empty shops and the state of pavements.

In a separate list, in which residents were asked what rule they would introduce if they were a "dictator for a day", the greatest support came for more pedestrian areas and completely banning cars from the city centre.

Reducing traffic levels overall and improving public transport were the second and third most popular suggestions.

Support was also strong for forcing cyclists to obey the highway code, making people pick up their own litter and banning dogs from certain areas.

Another popular rule suggested by residents was to "be nice to each other".

The survey of more than 400 people from across the city was carried out by neighbourhood forums as part of a scheme to draw up a "quality of life" action plan for the city's future.

The long-term objective is to combine green ideals with practical measures to ensure a good standard of living while safeguarding the environment.

The action plan is being prepared by the Local Agenda 21 steering committee, the body set up in response to the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.

It is about to split into five smaller working groups, each concentrating on a different topic relating to life in York, such as transport.

Lynne Ceeney, the Local Agenda 21 co-ordinator, said: "I was pleasantly surprised that people made positive proposals rather than just blanket complaints.

"This survey will help the topics groups know what people in York want."

Residents and businesses interested in joining a topic group should write to LA21 Steering Group, City of York Council, The Guildhall, York, YO1 9QN, or phone 01904 552036.

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