JUNCTION improvements at a York accident blackspot have been put before city residents.

City of York Council is asking people what they think of a proposed £200,000 road safety scheme on the A1079 at Dunnington.

The road, which has been the subject of residents campaigns to improve safety and tackle traffic jams, will see new traffic lights put in place if the scheme finds favour with people.

As part of the proposed new measures, traffic signals will be put in place at the junction with York Road and traffic will be prevented from turning right off the A1079 on to York Road.

Drivers affected by the change would need to continue to the Grimston Bar roundabout before approaching York Road from the opposite direction.

As a further safety improvement, the scheme proposes to reduce the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph on the stretch of road between Grimston Bar roundabout and 300 metres east of the York Road junction. Speed limit signs and road markings would appear at regular intervals to remind motorists of the new speed limit. The project was identified at the start of the year in the council's annual highways investment as part of the budget process.

Motorists have found it increasingly dangerous trying to get on to the road from nearby towns and villages, while growing congestion and traffic flow problems have raised concerns about the queues affecting the area's economic vitality.

Coun Ann Reid, the city council's strategy boss, said she thought the scheme was very important. "We are pleased that we have got this far. I hope the residents will support these improvements to raise safety. It's an important scheme."

Residents are encouraged to have their say on the proposals by writing to: Transport and Safety, Directorate of City Strategy, City of York Council, Freepost (YO 239), York, YO1 7ZZ.

Leaflets have been sent to Dunnington residents, but details of the proposals can also be viewed on the council's website at www.york.gov.uk by selecting the "roads and transport" link.

No postage is required, but responses must be received by Friday, September 8.

Once the feedback has been received and taken into account, a final decision on the proposals will be made later this year.