York Approves Traffic Light Scheme to Tackle Gillygate Pollution

A pilot initiative aimed at lessening stationary traffic in York’s most polluted thoroughfare has received approval, notwithstanding concerns that it might lead to increased congestion on adjacent routes. Councillors endorsed modifications to traffic light timings in Gillygate on Thursday, with the trial anticipated to run for a duration of one year. Kate Ravilious, a transport spokesperson for York Council, stated that intervention was necessary for public health, though she noted that initial difficulties were foreseen as motorists adapt to the alterations. Ravilious commented: “Small changes to traffic signals is one thing we can do to address poor air quality. It should reduce the amount of standing traffic.” Air pollution levels in Gillygate have persisted above statutory thresholds, even though the most recent council air quality figures indicated a decrease between 2022 and 2023, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). Ravilious informed the council’s Transport Decision Session that “although we can see air quality has improved, it’s not enough to give us confidence this is a consistent trend”. Councillors were informed that the confined nature of Gillygate, coupled with the tall structures flanking it, was thought to produce a “canyon effect” where vehicle emissions accumulated instead of dispersing. The outcomes of the trial are intended to inform adjustments to traffic management in other city areas susceptible to congestion or substandard air quality, it was communicated. However, members were also apprised of a potential risk that problems like traffic displacement to alternative routes, including Lord Mayor’s Walk and Clarence Street, might negate the advantages for Gillygate. Jordan Thomson, proprietor of the Love Cheese shop situated on Gillygate, affirmed that air pollution on the street presented a definite concern. He mentioned the presence of a layer of dust from vehicles that he needed to clean daily, stating: “It gets into all the gaps.” Concurrently, Liam Sherwood, representing Sore Thumb Retro Games, observed: “You can see straight away that it gets black really quickly and you can see dust and stuff.” Mr Sherwood indicated that he was required to clean the premises more frequently, describing the “black sooty dirt” as “not very nice”. Brendan Hopkins, a member of the Gillygate Air Quality Action Group, whose members observe local traffic, clarified: “The canyonesque quality of the street basically traps the air.” Mr Hopkins further noted that the council had shown strong support for changes to address the problem. John Gannon, a Gillygate resident, and Tony May, transport lead for York Civic Trust, communicated at Thursday’s assembly that although the trial was appreciated, a city-wide decrease in traffic was essential for a lasting solution to pollution. The City of York Council stated that the outcomes of the air quality trial would be continuously assessed throughout 2025, encompassing an examination of its influence on emergency vehicles.