Blue badge parking restrictions to be lifted in York on 4th January
A ban was introduced in 2021 to make way for anti terror bollards. Campaigners
It's been confirmed that blue badge parking will be allowed again in York City Centre from the 4th of January.
A ban was introduced in 2021 to make way for anti terror bollards.
But when the new Labour run Council was elected last year they pledged to reverse the decision.
Campaigners have long argued the restriction "locks them out of the City" and makes many feel isolated.
The restored access is:
• From 4 January 2024, Blue Badge holders will now be able to drive into the city centre when the footstreets are in operation from 10:30am-5pm. Their access will be via the staffed, sliding bollards at the junction of Goodramgate and Deangate, Church Street (two way) and out via CCTV-controlled sliding bollards at Colliergate.
• Once the installation and connection of the hostile vehicle measures is complete (expected Easter 2024), access for Blue Badge holders will also be via staffed, sliding bollards at Blake Street, through St Helen’s Square and out through CCTV-controlled sliding bollards at Lendal.
Residents and Blue Badge holders will continue to be able to drive into the city centre outside these hours.
"I want to apologise to Blue Badge holders"
Cllr Peter Kilbane, Executive Member for Transport and Economy at City of York Council, said: “I want to apologise to Blue Badge holders for the decision to close the city centre and the harmful impact this had had on you.
“By not only reversing the ban as promised, but by listening to and learning from all those affected, we can and will do better to improve access now and in the future. We have made the decision to open the city and reverse the ban; now we need to learn how to improve access beyond the measures being introduced on 4 January 2024.
“York is a city that is welcoming and vibrant, where it is right that everyone can enjoy all the city has to offer. Shaping the city centre so that it is accessible will help ensure the city is, and remains, welcoming for everyone. Your voice counts: please join us at the workshops or add your views to the consultation.”
Professor Paul Gready, Co-Director of the Centre for Applied Human Rights at the University of York, said: “We welcome the decision to reverse the ban on Blue Badge holders’ access to the city centre. There remain significant challenges in making our city centre accessible to all, but we are committed to supporting a process to try and bring this goal about.”