THE May 12 edition of The Press reported on proposals by City of York Council, to make changes to “pedestrian areas”. This generic wording, and the alternative “footstreets”, implies that no other vehicles should be allowed in these areas.

The Dept for Transport advice to local authorities refers to such zones as Vehicle Restricted Areas (VRAs).

The accompanying advice makes it clear that there is flexibility to permit motor vehicle and cycle access. York’s VRA allows blue badge holders and bank security vehicles to access the area during core times. There is a 10mph limit, which does have some enforcement problems. City centres often form hubs for radial routes to shops, services and employment. Including cyclists in a vehicle ban will often force detours via busy inner ring roads, and extend pedal-powered journey times to a point where they become unattractive.

If prospective cycle users are given artificial priority, by permitting them to go where cars cannot, then journey time on two wheels will become attractively competitive.

I look forward to a reasoned debate, the aim of which is to create a city where motor vehicles are good servants, but not bad masters. And one where residents are increasingly encouraged to get around on public transport and pedal power, for some or all their journeys.

Paul Hepworth, Windmill Rise, York.