The signs flash a warning when approaching drivers are exceeding the prevailing speed limit.
The signs were provided over 12 years ago and did prompt a reduction in average speeds on affected roads.
However, they have been allowed to deteriorate with no routine maintenance undertaken. Those on a streets like Wetherby Roadno longer work (or have disappeared).
Wetherby Road speed signs no longer working.
With speeding vehicles still an issue – hence the controversy about 20 mph speed limits – it is surprising that the council, are abandoning what is a relatively simple and benign way of controlling speeds.
Many other local authorities have invested in signs which show the actual speed of an approaching vehicle. They are even more likely to provide an effective warning for drivers.
Several roads will be closed as surface dressing works take place over the next few weeks in west York. The roads affected are:
Wetherby Road near Rufforth 05/07/23-06/07/23- 4am to 7am
Holtby Lane 06/07/23-07/07/23- 9am-4pm
Main St Askham Bryan 05/07/13- 06/07/23- 9am-4pm
Askham Bryan Lane South 05/07/13- 06/07/23- 9am-4pm
Askham Lane 05/07/13- 06/07/23- 9am-4pm
The required road closures will be effective between 9am and 4pm at all locations, with the exception of the Wetherby Road, Rufforth closure, which will be in operation between 4am and 7am.
Road stud removals / pothole filling and patching work will take place at all locations on Wednesday 5th July, and for Holtby Lane on Thursday 6th July.
The surface dressing operations moving on a rolling programme through all site locations are scheduled for Thursday 6th July (weather permitting).
The reinstatement of all road markings and road studs will follow on approximately two to three weeks afterwards, which will also require road closures.
Our thanks to the Councillor who forwarded the details to us.
Last week a visitor to the City criticised the poor appearance of the entrance to the City in the Tadcaster Road area. The London Bridge flower bed is untended while the cycle track area is an unwelcoming mess.
On the other side of the City, local Councillors have pointed to the Hull Road roundabout and central reservation near Tranby Avenue, which used to be a mass of wildflowers but which is now completely overgrown.
Many of the roundabouts in the City are sponsored. They bring in a valuable source of income for the Council.
So how good are maintenance standards?
There is a conflict between the Councils’ (worthy) pollinator policies, which seek to encourage areas of wildflower growth, and the current regime of maintenance by neglect. No doubt officials will claim that, by not cutting roundabouts, they are encouraging insect life.
But the reality is that some proactive planting is needed to maximise favourable impacts on insects and other wildlife.
There will also be many residents who will favour a balanced approach with some areas devoted to more formal planting schemes.
On the west of the City, the roundabouts lack colour and, in some cases, are already overgrown.
We found yesterday that a sample of four roundabouts all showed signs of a lack of manitenance. We doubt that the sponsors will be very happy as they seek to promote a good image for their businesses.
The Council needs to state clearly what its maintenance schedules are for grassed areas in the City. One size won’t fit every situation, so we expect to see a range of solutions.
Police in York are investigating an aggravated vehicle taking and collision on Wetherby Road at around 10.30pm on Wednesday (1 March 2023).
The silver Vauxhall Cora was taken without the owner’s consent before it crashed into a bollard and lamppost.
A 19-year-old local man was arrested nearby and remains in custody for questioning.
We are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, particularly any dog walkers who witnessed the man running from the vehicle.
We are also appealing for any private CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage that may have been captured around the time of the incident.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email alice.gould@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option 2, and ask for Alice Gould.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12230038237
Erection of single storey extension extending 4.00 metres beyond the rear wall of the original house, with a height to the eaves of 2.95 metres and a total height of 3.55 metres
Sustrans have provided more information on their timetable for resurfacing the York – Selby cycle path between Escrick Sidings and Riccall.
Work starts next week on bridge maintenance. The route will be inaccessible for a few weeks..
The improvement is badly needed as tree root damage has made sections of the path unusable for some types of bike
Cycle path surface is on poor condition
Acomb
Meanwhile a political spat has developed over proposals to improve on road facilities for cyclists traveling from Wetherby Road to Holgate Road (B1224). The Council has announced plans to press ahead with improvements on the Acomb Road section of the route. The carriageways on this section are relatively wide and could accommodate cycle lanes with little engineering work required
Narrow uphill section of York Road
The Council, is not yet ready to announce how – or indeed if – it can provide better cycling facilities on the uphill section of York Road. There is little scope for carriageway widening on this part of the route
Instead the Council says that cycling provision will form part of a wider review of travel and access arrangements in the Front Street area more generally.
They are right to do so, although it is some two years since they announced a consultation exercise on the remodeling of Front Street.
Proposals have yet to see the light of day.
One option would see the pedestrianised section of Front Street opened up to , at least, cyclists. This would provide a quieter, level alternative route for some journeys.
Whatever they have in mind, the Council needs to brief residents now on what to expect and when.
York News Focus 