York's historic streets are not always suited to cars

A report says there has been a 50% increase in bus passengers in the past four years.

One in six trips to work are now made by bicycle which the council claims is thanks to new cycleways being built.

There has also been a rise in the number of pedestrians and traffic levels in the city centre have not increased since 1999.

Parking charges

The city's park and ride system, which links the centre to car parks on the edge of the city, has been expanded and is growing in popularity with a 21% increase in passenger numbers in the past 12 months.

City of York Council has a policy of imposing high charges for using the city centre car parks while extending the bus network and increasing cycle training for schoolchildren.

Ann Reid, the councillor responsible for transport, said: "I am delighted to see bus, walking and cycling growing so strongly.

"Also, the huge growth in the use of park and ride to an expected 2.5 million passengers this year, bodes extremely well for both city centre congestion and air quality."