James Alexander and Dave Merretts decision to leak confidential information, on possible changes to York’s bus service, have been condemned by the chief of York’s major public transport provider. He has confirmed, what most of York already knew, namely that it is entirely a matter for First buses whether – and for how long – they run their ftr fleet in the City.

The incident does however highlight an emerging issue which will be a concern for residents.

Leading Councillors should be proactively meeting with partners, supplier companies, developers and public service agencies with the aim of exploring ways of improving the City.

Change for the better rarely happens spontaneously.

If there is no trust between the representatives of agencies then talks will be – at best – cautious and at worst abortive. A quick Press headline might produce a murmur of approval in the back rooms of the pubs of Micklegate, but it could be a transient victory won at the expense of the long term welfare of the York community.

Labour need to move on now from a strategy based on sloganising, half truths and spin.

There is an early opportunity later today (Thursday) to stop posturing and actually tell York residents what the implications for them will be if the Council agrees to extend the number of Low Emission Zones in the City.

Air quality is an important health issue and emission levels (mainly, but not exclusively, caused by transport movements) are much the same as they were 8 years ago. A fully costed plan with realistic timescales to produce a downwards trend in emission levels would be welcome.

The Council now says that buses and coaches will be banned from most of the City centre unless they meet – yet to be confirmed – emission standards.

Elsewhere Salisbury Terrace is highlighted as a problem location. The street is likely to be incorporated into an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). No details of what this means in practical terms are given in the report nor is any attempt made to address the fears that residents might feel when they read the report extract (see right).

There are no new short term measures proposed. York has for some time been encouraging the use of low emission vehicles. The Council was, for example, one of the first in the country to offer discounts on parking charges for small cars. “Lead in” times for the purchase of new public service vehicles are long.

The clock is ticking.

If more dramatic action is planned then residents will want to know a lot more about what the options, timescales and costs are going to be?