City of York Council is proposing to reinstate chicanes (traffic calming measures) on Huntington Road, near the former Sessions printers, which were temporarily removed during the development of new homes in the area.

There was a requirement to remove the existing priority give-way measures (chicanes) during the development as they would have caused problems for construction traffic and access onto Huntington Road.

Temporary speed cushions were installed prior to the work commencing, as required under the planning conditions. However, in the long term it was always understood that the chicanes would be restored when most of the construction work was completed and suitable new positions had been agreed.

To help identify where the replacement chicanes would be best positioned, the new street layout was assessed and the proposals were put forward for local consultation with local residents, parish councillors, local businesses, relevant ward councillors and relevant road user organisations.

Following this consultation, it is recommended that the council reinstates the chicanes and cost of installing these will be met by the developer Ben Bailey Ltd.

Local Liberal Democrats have criticised the limited public consultationon plans to reinstate chicanes on Huntington Road.

The plans, which were announced today and are due to be decided on next week, would reinstate chicanes on Huntington Road, near the former Sessions printers. The chicanes were removed during the development of new homes in the area. However, only a limited public consultation took place on the plans despite the number of cars which use the road. Liberal Democrat councillors had requested that consultation letters be sent out to a much wider area than just those properties adjacent to the scheme.

Cllr Keith Orrell, Councillor for Huntington and New Earswick, commented:

“As this development was on brownfield land we supported it and worked with the developer to get the best development for local people.

“When planning permission was given the report to the Planning Committee promised consultation on the traffic calming on Huntington Road. Since then we have called for a wide consultation with residents affected by the chicanes. Sadly the consultation carried out was very limited.

“We get many reports of the problems caused by the chicanes. We believe a full consultation would have enabled the Council to get a full picture of how residents feel about the chicanes.

“This is a lost opportunity to use the money from developers wisely.”

In addition to the reinstatement, proposals also include a change to the existing road surface on Huntington Road, which would serve to reduce maintenance costs and improve traffic/pedestrian safety.

A report outlining the proposals will be taken to a public decision session on Thursday 13 October. To attend the meeting or find out more details please click here