MORE people are cycling, walking or using public transport to get around the University of York campus, according to the latest travel statistics.

University bosses say the number of vehicle journeys are down, while cycling is up. However, the number of cars parking on roads near the university has gone up. The issue has long been a source of frustration for local residents.

According to the latest annual transport survey, which will be submitted to City of York Council in the next fortnight, vehicle movements have fallen from 10,380 in 2011 to 9,824 this year, a 5.3 per cent fall.

The past year has also seen a 32.5 per cent increase in cycle journeys, rising from 4,347 to 5,764 this year.

Elizabeth Heaps, pro-vice-chancellor for estates and strategic projects, said: “The University has worked hard to encourage staff, students and visitors to use sustainable forms of transport.

“It is great to see that once again the number using cars has gone down despite the continuing growth in staff and student numbers. We are encouraged that car use associated with the University is well short of the anticipated growth at the time of the Heslington East public inquiry – staff, students and visitors can truthfully be said to be voting with their feet.”

The university said the figures came despite a 15.1 per cent increase in its population in the last year from 16,706 to 19,234.

The firm of private consultants which carry out the annual survey said the increase in cycle and pedestrian trips was likely to be the result of the improving the cycle and footway infrastructure on campus, according to the university.

However, campus bosses acknowledged the long-running problem of visitors using nearby roads to park had worsened in the past year but that the University was “working with City of York Council to address this”.