Low Poppleton Lane spy camera rethink

Day time only operation now proposed. Concessions for moped riders.

A report on the Low Poppleton Lane spy camera controversy has been published. We pointed out two months ago that the number of motorists caught by the Number Plate Recognition cameras seemed to be disproportionately high.

Over 2500 drivers (now increased to over 3300) had been caught misusing the “bus gate” in just 5 months. The Council is currently pocketing around £30,000 a month in fine income.

Motorists contacted us to say that the signage was unclear (from the Boroughbridge Road direction). It was a problem for drivers of high cab mobile homes (there is a caravan site nearby). Others claimed that Sat Nav systems didn’t recognise the restriction.

We asked that the report reviewed these issues and that a survey of offenders be undertaken to try to understand why so many were ignoring the restriction.

The report fails to address these fundamental questions.

The Councils own consultation exercise found that most respondents were opposed to the bus lane, many saying that it was unnecessary since the sugar factory had closed, while others pointed to additional mileage, and risks encountered, by using the northern by pass.

A meeting next week is being recommended to introduce revised hours of operation. The restriction will apply only between 7:00am and 7:00pm.

In addition, powered two-wheel riders will be allowed to use the road as may taxi drivers. The latter two changes would bring the restriction into line with other bus lanes in the City.

Any revision would be introduced on a trial basis, raising again the question of whether Sat Nav systems would be updated to reflect the restriction.

Officials say that revised road markings have been introduced by there remains a suspicion that the Council has not yet got this right.

Spark- FOI reveals email exchanges on planning, cladding and loans

The York Council has shed some light on what they told the Spark developers in the spring of this year.

Copies of Email exchanges have now been published on the “What do they know” web site. Click for details

As early as last April, York council officials knew that the developer was intending not to provide cladding on the external face of the containers. This would have breached planning conditions.

Spark was advised that they had to apply for a variation to the planning permission.

This they subsequently did but the application was refused.

Spark have since said that they will appeal against the refusal.

It also appears that the Council was aware that Spark were borrowing significant sums of money to fund the £500,000 set up costs for the development. It is unclear from the exchange whether the Council’s position as the land owner and preferential creditor was, and remains, fully indemnified.

At a meeting held in April, Spark were seeking an extension to the “June 2020 end date” for their lease. They were told that this was not possible, although one official hinted “if the venture is well supported and doing well then they (sic) maybe opportunities”.

Another Spark tenant (“Once across the Garden”) announced this week that they are moving from Spark.

NB. Spark started trading in May 2017 having, by then, been on site for over 6 months.

What’s on in York: Moving on with Family History

York Explore Library

Sat 20 Oct :

1.00pm – 4.00pm :

£25

Have you been researching your family history online, but reached the end of the road?

Or maybe you’ve got lots of basic information about your ancestors but are looking to put some flesh on the bones?

Then this is the course for you.

Join Explore’s Archivist (Access and Engagement), Laura Yeoman, for this hands-on workshop looking at some of the sources that might take you further in your research.

To book tickets please click here.

What’s on in York: Dancing Through Storytime

York Explore Library :

Sat 20 Oct :

10.00am – 4.00pm :

Free

Dancing Through Storytime Created by Campbell Edinborough

Dancing Through Storytime is an interactive performance for families, integrating dance, movement and storytelling. During the 15 minute performance children aged 4-8 and their grown ups will hunt for sea creatures, get lost in a forest and float into space. It’s a show for everyone who has ever wanted to jump into their storybook.

This is a free event which will last for 15 minutes. !5 minute slots are available to book throughout the day please call 01904 552828 to book or book in person at your local library.

What’s on in York: Caring for old photographs

Oct _20Caring

York Explore Library :

Sat 20 Oct :

9.30am – 11.30am :

£18

Do you have family photographs, negatives or slides hidden away in your home?

Are you concerned about their condition, or unsure what to do with them? Join Explore’s Archivist (Access and Engagement), Laura Yeoman, to learn more about what causes photographic materials to deteriorate over time, and the best ways to care for them at home.

To book tickets please click here.