The proposed speed limit reduction would cover part of South Bank and the Scarcroft Road area. The council's voting criteria is unclear, with previous references to a threshold for success at 50% for all properties within the proposed zone, rather than 50% of all respondents, so every vote in favour is critical.

Micklegate ward councillor Julie Gunnell explained:

"Labour councillors want safer streets and safer neighbourhoods and a speed limit reduction to 20mph is one way of working towards achieving that goal. We know there is significant support out there from contact we have already made, so people just need to respond to the questionnaire they have received and vote in favour of the proposed scheme. Every vote counts and is important".

Coun. Dave Merrett said:

"We have serious concerns about the Lib Dem council's piecemeal approach, which will leave many motorists confused and miss the real benefits of a single cross-city policy and message of it's a 20 mph limit in all residential streets. 20mph streets are safer streets for everyone, including the children and the elderly, and are less noisy and less polluted. In turn that would allow and help to increase cycling and walking in a virtuous circle, contributing to a healthier and better quality of life all round. Nonetheless, a strong yes vote in this large portion of Micklegate ward will improve the area for the people that live there, and hopefully start to sell the message more widely".

Coun. Sandy Fraser, explained how the campaign had got underway:

"We have presented a number of petitions to Council from residents calling for a speed reduction in this area, and have subsequently enlisted the help of a number of ‘street volunteers' who want to encourage their neighbours to sign up to this scheme.

"With their help we are confident that we will make the numbers tell, but we want to win the vote for the right reasons. Those reasons are an improved and more relaxed local environment, safer streets with fewer accidents and less noise. A lower limit benefits everyone".