I would like to object to this proposal! I have lived in this village for 40 years and beside the recent knocking of a post, there has never been a big incident on that cut through.
The thing is it'll do more harm than good as people will turn quicker into the lane as they won't be expecting cars coming the other direction, leading to faster traffic down it, causing more risks to pedestrians and to the buildings down it, it is not wide enough for a path to be put in place, which was the whole point of the proposal in the first place.
Also the instigator to this ridiculous idea isn't even a Wheldrake resident!
I really don't hope this proposal does not get approved!!
I am writing to object to the proposed One Way direction of travel on Walker Lane in Wheldrake.
I think if it becomes one way that people will drive faster which will increase chances of any accident happening, a lot of people including children use this road.
Surely council money could be spent much more wisely.
The main instigator of this proposed change is not a Wheldrake resident.
This road works very well as it is, I believe it should be left well alone.
I'm a resident of Wheldrake and live around 50 metres from the Walker Lane.
I've seen the proposal to make this a one way street, which I object against.
Walker Lane is little used by traffic. I would be surprised if a daily average is more than 150 vehicles. That said, the lane can be a little busier during rush hour, which is something I notice every morning taking my children to pre-school and school. The fact that the road is two way (but really too narrow for two vehicles to pass), means that traffic only crawls through the lane at a very low speed - it would be dangerous for traffic to enter the lane (at either end) at anything but a few mph because there is little visibility until the actual turn. My concern therefore is that if this becomes one-way, traffic will use the turning much more quickly making it more hazardous for pedestrians. As I mention, this is a particular concern to me because I have two young children and use the lane, which has no pavement and in some places, not much room to stand to the side, on a daily basis. I would be grafting if this could please be given some consideration.
Regarding the proposal for a one way direction of travel in Walker Lane, Wheldrake.
I have been resident at 49, Main St (near to Walker Lane) Wheldrake for 30 years. This proposal has come to my attention and I have the following comments:-
1) I am struggling to understand the purpose of making Walker Lane one way. If, for example, the decision is in response to a clumsy delivery driver reversing into the car port post at 45, Main St some time ago, making this one way is not going to solve this problem.
Note that I suggest you check the planning application for said car port vs land registry. The car port protrudes well into Walker Lane.
2) If you think that making Walker Lane one way will ease the flow of traffic, then I’d like you to seriously consider the safety aspects. At the moment drivers are really careful as they approach Walker Lane as they have to consider that something might be coming the other way. If Walker Lane is made one way then I am realy concerned that traffic will use this cut through without as much due care. Walker Lane is probably used more by pedestrians and children than cars, and there is no pavement.
3) If it is because the visibility turning into Main St can be hampered by parked cars, this can be an issue, but I use this route most days to get to my house from North Lane and it’s never been a problem. It is absolutely no different from anyone pulling out of one of the many driveways on Main St (often in reverse) and to my knowledge there have never been any accidents caused in this way. People have to take care and they do.
4) I think that strategically the wider issue of traffic speed through the village should be the focus rather that what seems to be a piecemeal reactive decision. If the whole conservation area (see also point 6 below)(Main St / North Lane / Walker Lane) were given a 20mph limit (as I have already proposed to the council) we would see overall improved care from drivers through the village. This is particularly important as the village grows. With 139 houses being built at the Crockey Hill end of Main St (and probably more in North Lane) think of the number of pedestrians and children walking to school down Main St, North Lane and Walker Lane. This in itself must be a good reason for traffic calming with a 20mph limit.
5) Note that parked cars on Main St are a good thing as they slow the traffic down and many people on Main St don’t have drives to park their cars in. A few carefully placed double yellow lines in conjunction with the 20mph speed limit might be prudent though.
6) Conservation Area: I think this fact is getting lost. As residents we have to go though rigorous planning applications to even change our windows (which I agree with by the way) to retain the look and feel of the village. I’m proud to live in a Conservation Area and the village is very beautiful. Better again to use the money more wisely, to calm the traffic through Main St, North Lane and Walker Lane to keep these areas safe for those walking and cycling around the village and retain the Conservation Area feel.
Please thank you for considering my views and I am happy to discuss this further with anyone if that would be helpful.
I am writing to formally object to the proposed introduction of a one-way traffic system on Walker
Lane, Wheldrake, as outlined in the City of York Council Notice of Proposal (Order 2025). As a
long-standing resident of Wheldrake, I strongly oppose this measure on the following grounds:
1. Increased Vehicle Speeds and Pedestrian Safety
The proposal would encourage faster driving along Walker Lane due to the assumption by motorists
that they will not encounter oncoming traffic. This is especially concerning given that Walker Lane is
narrow and frequently used by pedestrians, including children and elderly residents. The absence of
Page 1
Objection to Proposed One-Way Traffic Order on Walker Lane, Wheldrake
a pavement along sections of the lane further compounds the danger.
2. Congestion and Impact on School Traffic
Walker Lane currently serves as an important relief route during busy periods, especially during
school drop-off and pick-up times. Parents and carers often use the lane to alleviate congestion on
Main Street and North Lane. Introducing a one-way system would eliminate this flexibility, forcing
more vehicles onto already congested roads and increasing delays, frustration, and emissions.
3. Lack of Justification and Consultation
There has been no clear public justification for this proposed change. The existing two-way system
has functioned without major issue for many years. A change of this magnitude should be supported
by clear evidence, including traffic flow data, accident reports, and pedestrian risk assessments,
none of which have been made available for public scrutiny.
4. Negative Impact on Residents and Access
Residents who live along or near Walker Lane may face longer travel times and reduced
accessibility to their own properties. Additionally, visitors unfamiliar with the area may struggle to
navigate the changes, leading to confusion or increased traffic on surrounding minor roads.
5. Emergency Services and Delivery Access
A one-way system could hinder the access of emergency vehicles, deliveries, and service providers
who rely on straightforward, bi-directional access in residential areas. The added complexity could
result in slower response times during emergencies.
6. Enforcement and Compliance Issues
Page 2
Objection to Proposed One-Way Traffic Order on Walker Lane, Wheldrake
Introducing a one-way system relies heavily on consistent compliance and enforcement, both of
which are notoriously difficult on minor village roads. Non-compliance could lead to dangerous
head-on conflicts or illegal driving behaviours, especially from non-local drivers or delivery vehicles
unfamiliar with the restriction.
Conclusion
The proposed one-way system on Walker Lane appears to be a solution in search of a problem. The
risks to pedestrian safety, increased congestion elsewhere, and the lack of a clearly articulated
benefit make this proposal both unnecessary and potentially harmful. I urge the council to
reconsider this decision and instead explore alternative measures, such as:
- Speed reduction signage
- Speed humps or other traffic calming measures
- Improved pedestrian pathways
I request that my objection be formally recorded and that I be kept informed of any further
developments or consultations related to this proposal.
I am writing to formally object to the proposed introduction of a ‘One Way’ direction of travel on Walker Lane, Wheldrake, as detailed in the Notice of Proposals dated 23rd May 2025.
My reasons for objection are as follows:
The Current Two-Way Flow Naturally Regulates Speed
At present, Walker Lane is very narrow, and vehicles must proceed cautiously due to the possibility of encountering oncoming traffic. This natural traffic-calming effect ensures that cars travel at very low speeds, which greatly enhances pedestrian safety, especially for vulnerable road users such as children. My daughter frequently walks along this road to visit her friend, and the current conditions make this feel relatively safe despite the lack of a pavement.
Introducing a one-way system may unintentionally increase average vehicle speeds, as drivers would no longer anticipate oncoming vehicles.
This leads to the next point - Lack of Footpath and Insufficient Width
Walker Lane lacks a pavement and is too narrow to accommodate one. This means pedestrians must walk on the road itself. Any increase in vehicle speed would directly increase risk of harm. The existing two-way configuration, while imperfect, prioritises safety by forcing motorists to drive with extreme caution.
Speed is already an issue in Wheldrake with community speed watch doing their best to try and reinforce limits.
Impact on Accessibility and Emergency Services
A one-way system may also negatively affect access for emergency vehicles, potentially increasing journey times. If North Lane or other adjacent streets become congested or blocked (which is common due to the high volume of parked vehicles frequently reducing passage to one way), a one-way restriction on Walker Lane could limit alternatives unnecessarily.
Potential for Increased Traffic on Adjacent Roads
Traffic that currently uses Walker Lane in both directions will be forced to reroute, possibly increasing congestion, noise, and danger on surrounding roads. This may also shift the risk to other parts of the village rather than resolving it.
Insufficient Evidence of Necessity
The proposal states the aim is to “minimise danger and maintain safety”, but it is not clear that the current arrangement is unsafe or that the proposed change will improve safety. In fact, based on the concerns above, it appears likely that the proposal would reduce safety for pedestrians.
In summary, I urge the Council to reconsider the proposed order. While I support efforts to improve road safety, this particular measure risks creating unintended consequences that would make Walker Lane less safe, not more.
I am writing to formally object to the proposed introduction of a ‘One Way’ direction of travel on Walker Lane, Wheldrake, as detailed in the City of York Council’s Notice of Proposals dated 23rd May 2025.
While I understand that the stated aim of the proposal is to “minimise danger and maintain safety”, I believe this measure would have the opposite effect and would negatively impact residents, pedestrians, and the wider community. My objections are as follows:
1. The Current Two-Way Flow Naturally Regulates Speed
Walker Lane is a narrow road where the presence of two-way traffic serves as a natural traffic-calming measure. Drivers proceed with great caution because they are aware they may meet oncoming vehicles. This leads to slow, careful driving — which significantly improves pedestrian safety. Once that opposing flow is removed, drivers may feel freer to accelerate along the road, putting pedestrians and other road users at greater risk.
My children regularly walk along this road. Despite the lack of pavement, the current two-way flow makes this feel relatively safe as drivers are cautious about oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Changing the road to one-way would remove the primary factor that encourages drivers to slow down, inevitably increasing the risk to pedestrians, who are primarily children, cyclists and elderly people.
2. Lack of Footpath and Insufficient Width
Walker Lane has no pavement and is not wide enough to accommodate one. Pedestrians, including children and the elderly, must walk on the carriageway itself. Any increase in average vehicle speeds resulting from a one-way system would directly and seriously increase the risk to those on foot.
Speed is already a problem in Wheldrake. The village relies heavily on community efforts such as Speed Watch to reinforce speed limits, and introducing a one-way system would only exacerbate this issue.
3. Reduced Accessibility and Impact on Emergency Services
Walker Lane is an important alternative route, particularly when other roads in the village are congested. Both North Lane and Main Street are often full of parked vehicles, reducing it to single-lane access. Introducing a one-way restriction could unnecessarily reduce options for both residents and emergency vehicles, potentially delaying response times when seconds matter most.
4. Increased Pressure on Surrounding Roads
Traffic that currently travels in both directions on Walker Lane would be forced to reroute via other residential streets, likely increasing congestion, noise, and safety risks elsewhere in the village. Instead of solving a problem, this would simply displace it.
5. Lack of Local Support and Outside Influence
It is also concerning that the push for this change has come from an individual who, while owning a neighbouring property, does not live in the village. It is troubling that such a significant change has been proposed at the suggestion of someone who is not a resident of Wheldrake. Decisions about local infrastructure must be based on the needs and experiences of those who live with the consequences daily — not external parties with limited understanding of the road’s use and local context, and many residents here strongly oppose this change. I enclose screenshots of the most recent contributions to the discussion of the issue from the village Facebook group “Wheldrake-ians” to give a greater understanding of local feelings. In addition to this, multiple people have verbally made it clear they will not comply with the new one-way rule, which would make the scheme difficult to enforce and create confusion or even accidents.
6. No Clear Evidence the Change Is Needed
The proposal claims the change is necessary for safety, yet there appears to be no clear evidence that the current arrangement is dangerous or that a one-way system would improve safety. Based on the concerns above, the change would likely create new hazards rather than mitigate existing ones. There have not been any accidents along Walker Lane as far as local people can remember; the only incident has been a delivery vehicle reversing from Main Street to turn around in Walker Lane end, who reversed into a pillar of the car port of the property belonging to the person who has petitioned for this change.
While I support measures that genuinely improve road safety, this proposal does not achieve that. It risks increasing vehicle speeds, endangering pedestrians, restricting access, and rerouting traffic unnecessarily. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Council to withdraw the proposal.
Thank you for considering my objection.
After receiving your letter dated 23rd May, 2025 I am writing to strongly object to the proposed one way direction of travel on Walker Lane in Wheldrake.
I have lived in Wheldrake my whole life (62 years) and I have owned my hairdressing salon (2 Walker Lane, Wheldrake) for the past 27 years and there has never been any major issue with this road. The only two very minor incidents which I can recall were one approximately ten years ago when a lady had a minor bump and caused slight damage to the car port, this was fixed very quickly. The only other incident I am aware of was approximately three years ago when a driver knocked one of pillars of the car port, the pillar moved a matter of millimetres, and was not noticeable without thorough inspection.
The apparent issue has been instigated by one man who is not a Wheldrake resident but is the landlord of a rental property on the corner of Walker Lane/Main Street, who I believe to be out to cause trouble and upset within the community.
This part of the village is a conservation area, extra signage/cameras will not be welcome and can only make the road narrower.
A lot of pedestrians of all ages especially school children and the elderly and bikes use this road as well as traffic. I fear traffic will travel faster if it is only one way and I do not know how a one way system could possibly be policed. I think a lot of drivers will simply ignore the signs, increasing the chances of an accident. Cameras would be completely ridiculous and surely council funds could be spent much more wisely.
This road works very well as it is, please leave it alone.
I, like many other residents in the village are against this change, I read in the article it was to do with the safety of pedestrians, can you tell me when theres been an incident with a human , Ive lived here all my life 87 years, its NEVER been a problem and I use it regular , both ways, the problem at Walker lane are the vehicles from the house, who park tight up to the lane end , blocking vision coming out and very awkward going down, 10 yards of double yellow lines might help , going back the beginning, this isn't about human safety, its making a mountain out of molehill, he could solve it in half a day, knock the carport down , then he could advertise the letting with parking and do everyone a favor very disappointed
Can I please add my concerns on the one way being proposed in Wheldrake on Walker Lane between Main Street and North Lane.
I walk my two young children to and from the primary school on this road every day and often find cars come into Walker Lane from Main Street at speed round the corner straight at my two young children – as there is no footpath/pavement.
I have no objection on the one-way system, but this should be coming from North Lane to Main Street as this would give drivers far more visibility going round the corner into Walker Lane than the blind corner they come round at present from Main Street and would be far safer.
My wife, also raised concerns but hadn’t thought of switching the direction of travel, which she feels would be fine and override any concerns of it being switched to one way if the traffic is flowing from North Lane towards Main Street in that direction.
It has just been brought to my attention that the Council is proposing to change the direction of travel in Walker Lane Wheldrake.
I wish to object to the councils one way traffic proposal on Walker Lane Wheldrake for the following reasons.
1. The very long established hairdressers in Walker Lane, which serves the community well should be regarded as a vital community asset. I fear that the Councils current proposal could have an adverse affect on the hairdressers trade due to a possible reduction in customers which could make the business fail should a one way system be imposed and parking restrictions are applied outside of the shop, (some service users have an acute need to do this) , a closure would be disastrous for the communities more elderly residents who rely on shops services.
3 When reviewing the documents at the Councils reception I did not see any evidence of a consultation process by this I mean the village residents which I my view should include the folk that use the hairdressing service that is provided in the lane, should this have happened?
Please note I have seen the statutory notices that have been placed at each end of the Lane but I feel that on this occasion more community consolation needs to take place, if this can be allowed.
In my view the lane has very minimal traffic if any at all, and at this point I do not understand why the proposed action is deemed necessary, given that the lane has been deemed satisfactory for many decades if not hundreds of years.
Please can my objections now be concidered by the council.
I would be more than happy to be involved if this process if required.
I have lived in Wheldrake for 38 years now and have never heard/seen any incidents of damage to either vehicles or property on Walker lane. The car port being hit by a vehicle, perhaps unfamiliar with Wheldrake and perhaps too large to have attempted to drive down Walker lane is the only incident and can only be considered as an isolated accident as the vehicle in question was an ASDA delivery Van.
The Lane serves as a way to by-pass the school for most people on North Lane looking to access the Local shop - making it one-way would simply increase traffic past the school and add to the already difficult Mani Street as almost every house along Main Street parks on the road-side and already impacts safety as the obscure on-coming vehicles traveljng from the shop towards Crockey Hill.
The carport in question is a bit of a fail as it can't accommodate a car as the occupants simply can't get out of the vehicle once they park there - the occupants of the rented property park outside of the property on Main Street - also obscuring traffic entering onto Main Street or from Main Street into Walker Lane. If there is any Traffic Management to consider in this village it is the amount of vehicles parking down the pavement side of Mani Street. I have seen more incidences of Busses and Lorries unable to continue along Main Street due to vehicle parked on both sides and allowing isufficient space for large vehicles to pass.
I should like to comment of this proposal.
As a long term resident of Wheldrake, living on North Lane, I do not think I have ever been involved or seen any incidents in Walker Lane in 38 years of living in the village.
The building of a car port on the house on the corner of Main Street/Walker Lane is in my opinion a white elephant. The car port is never used. Instead we have to contend with at least four cars parked bumper to bumper outside of this property on Main Street thereby obscuring the view of traffic entering Main Street from Walker Lane and creating a danger to such traffic. In my opinion Walker Lane should continue to be used both ways and yellow lines placed at the entrance to the lane on Main Street.
I have just returned from holiday to find your letter dated 23rd May 2025 through my door.
I live at 1 Walker Lane so we are half way along the road in question.
I initially was in agreement with the proposed one way being put in place and the gentleman who owns the property at the Main Street end did come to my door several times to ‘discuss ’ the idea of one way being put in place. He rents his property out and does not live in the village.
On reflection now and two years later I do not feel the proposed system will work and wonder how it will be policed and could potentially increase the speed of traffic down the road.
I am aware you had set a deadline of the 13th June for any comments which did not allow for people affected by this change being away.