York’s Lendal Bridge could be reopened* by the weekend if Liberal Democrat calls are supported at a crunch meeting on Thursday.

Labour run City of York Council’s controversial six month trial closure was due to end in February, but they have extended the restrictions until May as they are yet to make a decision on whether the bridge should stay closed.

Figures released by the Council last week revealed that 53,000 motorists have now been fined for crossing Lendal Bridge, congestion in areas such as Foss Islands Road and Clifton Bridge has worsened, and most Park & Ride journey times in the city have increased.

Cllr Ann Reid, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Transport, will move a motion at Thursday’s Full Council meeting calling on the closure restrictions to be lifted. She commented:

“Our motion calls on Labour to stop dithering, lift the restrictions, and reopen Lendal Bridge. If they and other political groups back our calls on Thursday then there is no reason why the cameras can’t be switched off and signs removed by this weekend.

“The latest figures show that the trial is still hitting residents and local businesses with congestion worsening across York and bus times actually increasing. The evidence that this was a botched trial couldn’t be clearer.

“With 80% of fines going to visitors – we also know the ongoing reputational damage Labour’s closure is having on our city. York cannot afford another two months of this mess.”

The full motion which will be moved by the Lib Dems at Thursday’s Full Council (in York’s Guildhall at 6:30pm) reads:

“Council notes the report in The Press on 27th February which revealed important facts about the Lendal Bridge closure.

Council further notes that:

1. The Labour Cabinet’s six-month trial closure of Lendal Bridge should have finished at the end of February
2. The closure has brought widespread criticism from local residents, business owners, tourists and tourist groups
3. Negative media and social media coverage has been generated to the detriment of our city
4. The closure has failed to significantly improve overall bus journey times
5. Traffic displaced by the closure has caused increased congestion elsewhere in the city e.g. Foss Islands Road and Water End at Clifton Bridge
6. Officers have admitted that the trial closure has had little impact on overall air quality
7. The Labour Cabinet Member responsible has admitted that the signage at the start of the trial was “very confusing”
8. Around 45,000 motorists have received fines for crossing the bridge. (Based on figures from February).

Council therefore resolves to ask Cabinet to:

a. immediately end the trial closure of Lendal Bridge
b. publicly admit that the trial has been botched and to apologise for this
c. immediately publish the raw data on the trial ahead of their detailed evaluation report
d. commit to consulting with residents and local businesses before bringing forward any future plans for Lendal Bridge.

* ANPR cameras switched off