Acomb councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing has been reporting long-standing problems with the rising bollard since it was installed, with it failing to rise to traffic on a regular basis. CCTV in the area has done little to dissuade motorists from using the bus-only route through to Boroughbridge Road.

But she says officers have finally met with contractors to trash out the problems and present a solution. She commented:

"The whole saga has been a nightmare for residents. This has been a problem ever since it was introduced and has never served its intended purpose. I've always been of the view that it's not beyond the wit of officers to make this bollard operate if they can make the one in town operate properly.

"But there has been a view locally that because it's not in the city centre that it doesn't matter and that's unacceptable. However, I'm pleased to see the council's new Assistant Director grasping the nettle and getting the contractor to look at the problem.

"Fortunately when officers and the contractor met for a site visit, a bus went through the bollard, and the bollard never returned to the upright position, so they are now well aware of how ineffectual it is. A solution has been reached which I expect to see implemented quickly.

"In addition to this, I am again requesting that First review its No. 10 timetable, given the bollard was introduced on the basis of a 20 minute service frequency, but which is currently only every half hour. The bollard was designed to save the bus time and alleviate the timetable problems, so I very much hope First come back with a positive response to this request".