Funding to tackle emissions from delivery vehicles in central York

An interchange could be set up to transfer deliveries into low-emissions vehicles.

Library image showing queuing delivery vans
Author: Seb CheerPublished 13th May 2021

Any deliveries into the centre of York could soon have to complete the last mile of their journey in an ultra-low emissions vehicle, as part of a Government-funded pilot.

The scheme would be in place to tackle emissions caused by vans and lorries making deliveries in the city centre.

City of York Council has been awarded £297,237 to look at ideas including an interchange centre, for goods to be transferred, for example from a van to an "e-cargo bike".

It's hoped the scheme could also help ease congestion in the city centre, as well as reducing damage to historic monuments and improving pedestrian safety.

Cllr Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economic and Strategic Planning, said: "Working with local businesses to understand both current delivery movements, and the impacts of proposed solutions on deliveries is a vital part of this work.

"We hope the pilot project will attract more low emission industries, business and jobs to York.

"Getting more appropriately sized and low emission vehicles into the city centre will ensure the most appropriate sustainable solution for moving goods around the city."

The plans will have to be approved by councillors at a meeting next week (20 May 2021).

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