City’s transport set to be transformed by 2030
A council report claims there will be less traffic in the city centre in nine years’ time
York's transport systems could be transformed by 2030, with fewer people owning cars and more space for cyclists, under the council’s vision for the city.
In nine years’ time there will be less traffic in the city centre, many vehicles will be autonomous and people will no longer own cars but will hire them – or not learn to drive at all – according to a City of York Council transport report.
It is all part of proposals for York’s fourth local transport plan, which sets out schemes and policies for developing the city’s transport network.
Council officers set out their vision for the city, saying:
“Imagine it is 2030 and you are standing at the top of the Minster’s central tower.
“You can see the new offices in York Central and the houses built beyond Clifton Moor and at Langwith.
“Below you electric buses, bikes and scooters glide along the city’s roads. Most cars and vans are electric too, now.
“There is less traffic in the city centre because it now travels on the dualled outer ring road.
“Office workers work from home, or shared offices near their homes, one-third of the time.
“Many more people live in the centre of York. Castle car park is now an events space. There are more and better cycle lanes, and more cyclists.
“People, particularly younger people, are less likely to own a car, but more likely to be members of a car club – and many don’t learn to drive.”
The council declared a climate emergency in March 2019 when it committed to go carbon neutral by 2030. Councillors also committed to stop non-essential car journeys within the city walls by 2023. Both issues will be considered in the finalised plan.
York faces great change, according to council transport bosses, thanks to new housing developments, transport schemes such as the revamp of the front of York Railway Station, advances in technology and the impacts of the pandemic.
They say: “York’s fourth local transport plan will preside over a period of irresistible and pervasive change. It will set out not just how York responds to that change, but how it gets a mandate to develop policies and schemes to allow the city to take advantage of those changes to achieve its economic, environmental and public health aspirations.”
Consultations and workshops will take place to develop the new local transport plan and the document is due to be completed by September 2022.
Cllr Andy D’Agorne, who will hear about the plans at a meeting today, said: “How we move to, in and around our city will inevitably change as we emerge from Covid-19 and change our way of living in response to this experience and continue to respond to the climate emergency.
“The purpose of any local transport plan is to set out our priorities and focus for York’s transport over the short and longer term future.
“There are real opportunities to address congestion and pollution through the increase in home working, technological and lifestyle changes and rethinking the ways in which freight is delivered and businesses operate.”
“The growth of internet shopping, and changes to our city centre will also have an impact on future development.
“This process will give everyone the opportunity to influence the vision we adopt for our city and the infrastructure to support a healthy sustainable place for future generations.”