One way system on Coppergate in York to remain
The restrictions were introduced in June 2020 to give pedestrians more space to socially distance.
Last updated 9th Nov 2021
City of York Council is set to ask the government to keep one way restrictions on a city centre road.
The restriction on Coppergate was introduced in June 2020 to give pedestrians more space to socially distance.
It allows buses and taxis to travel from Parliament Street to Clifford Street along Coppergate, but not in the other direction. Cars are not allowed between 8am – 6pm.
A contraflow cycle lane was provided to enable cyclists to continue to travel along Coppergate in both directions.
The council recently consulted people on whether the changes should be made permanent, with 49 per cent of people backing the move but 51 per cent of people calling for the return of the two way system.
Respondents in favour, including York Civic Trust, praised the improved environment for cyclists and pedestrians, while those against were concerned about the impact on buses and taxis, which have seen increased journey times.
Provisional accident data for the period shows that there have been no reported casualties at the Coppergate junction with Picaddily.
The council is set to ask Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps for a temporary traffic regulation order for another six months from December, with the possibility of another six month extension after that.
This is to allow further investigation of bus routing options to be undertaken before a final decision is made on whether to make the change permanent.
A ÂŁ100,000 funding pot has been identified to start making the changes.
A council report states the request to continue the one way scheme should be made due to pedestrians and cyclists being “at the top of the transport hierarchy, and owing to the environmental and safety benefits of the reduced traffic levels in the area”.
Executive member for transport Andy D’Agorne is being asked to approve the proposal today.