York Taxi firm owner raises concerns with council over “York Hospital ridiculous traffic congestion”

Mark Goldsborough, Director of Streamline Taxis has written to the leader of the council and other councillors voicing his concern "about critical appointments for local residents being missed, ambulances not been able to access A & E in a timely fashion and the static traffic pollution populating a large part of York City Centre".

Mark Goldsborough, Director of Streamline Taxis has written to the leader of the council and other councillors voicing his concern "about critical appointments for local residents being missed, ambulances not been able to access A & E in a timely fashion and the static traffic pollution populating a large part of York City Centre."  The traffic congestion is due to the single lane traffic and cars queuing to turn into the hospital grounds and car park.

Mark told Jorvik Radio that Streamline Taxis has been operating as a Private Hire Company in York since 1937 and "have not seen traffic levels around the hospital as bad as this since we have been operating."

The traffic congestion around York Hospital is affecting Wigginton Road, Crichton Avenue, Haxby Road, Clarence Street, Gillygate, Lord Mayor's Walk and the surrounding areas.  The worst time of day is around 2pm during the week creating a huge "knock on effect" and raising traffic pollution levels.

Mark said:  "As an example one of our drivers today took an elderly Gentleman from Kirkham Avenue to the Magnolia Cancer Treatment Centre at York Hospital at 1410 which would normally be a 5-10 minute journey for a 14.30 appointment he had been waiting months for, this journey took 50 minutes and resulted in a charge of £14 for a 1.4 mile journey!  The trip would normally be around £5.50/£6.00 and he missed his appointment!"

He also said drivers had witnessed ambulances with emergency lights flashing trying to get through the traffic and doing 3 point turns in the road to navigate their way through.

Mark has stressed his concerns are for local residents trying to reach the hospital and critical appointments being missed and patients in ambulances being delayed for emergency treatment.  Streamline Taxis also have experienced delays in trying to access schools to pick up vulnerable children resulting in children with special needs being extremely upset.

Streamline Taxis have offered to work with with the Council and put forward their ideas on how to improve the situation one of which is to widen Wigginton Road and create a filter lane into the hospital.

City of York Council and The York Hospital have both been asked for comment and we will update you if comments are received.

York MP Rachael Maskell has said "The congestion around York Hospital is resulting in patients being late for appointments and staff struggling to get to work on time. It is time that York had a comprehensive transport plan which would guarantee reliable public transport, safe active travel infrastructure and reduce people’s dependence on car use. Currently things are going in the opposite direction, with cuts to bus service and piecemeal traffic schemes. However the Council cannot ignore the pressures that are particularly building up around York Hospital either at a time when the NHS is under such pressure and patients and visitors are particularly anxious. The delay in having a comprehensive transport plan for our congested city is unacceptable."