Council bosses have urged everyone in York to have their say on improving access to York city centre.

The authority launched a new, wide-ranging consultation earlier this month.

It seeks to cover everything from the length of time that footstreets will operate, to access for bikes and e-scooters, improved cycle routes, and how to better arrange city centre deliveries.

Council bosses say they are keen to hear from disabled people - but also from everyone else who uses the city centre.

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, the authority's executive member for transport, said: “We want our city centre to be a place that is welcoming for all, which is why we still want to hear from as many people as possible on these ideas around making the city centre accessible and inclusive.

“We know that temporary changes to footstreet hours have provided a lifeline for many businesses in York, whilst also providing spaces for people to enjoy the city safely throughout the course of the pandemic. We are proposing to make permanent changes to the footstreet hours and are seeking your views on this.

“We are also looking at introducing more disabled parking bays in Blake Street and investing further in services such as Dial & Ride and Shopmobility.

“This consultation is also asking residents and businesses to feedback on questions around cycling during footstreet hours and any exemptions, alongside ways to improve city centre cycle routes, and investing in more secure cycle parking spaces in York.

“There’s still time to have your say.”

The key 'themes' of the consultation are:

Footstreets 

During the pandemic, these were extended, from 10.30am-5pm pre-Covid to 10.30am-8pm. The council now proposed to shorten the footstreet hours slightly, so that they operate from 10.30am-7pm. The consultation also asks whether a later start time on weekdays would benefit Blue Badge holders and others.

The council is also asking for feedback on:

  • Proposals for new disabled parking bays at the Duncombe Place/ Blake Street junction
  • Proposals to invest in Shopmobility and Dial & Ride
  • a feasibility study on a new shuttle service for disabled people

Cycling and e-scooters

Residents and businesses are being asked for their views on:

  • whether cycles, e-Bikes and e-Scooters should be allowed to use the footstreets during pedestrianised hours
  • If not, whether there should be a trial allowing certain groups, such as disabled people and cycle couriers, to cycle in the footstreets during pedestrian hours
  • Suggestions for improving cycle routes around the edge of the footstreet area, and for secure cycle storage areas

Deliveries

The council wants feedback on the idea of introducing ultra-low emission vehicles or cargo bikes by 2030 for deliveries. It also wants options for places outside the city centre where deliveries can be collected and transferred around the city in an environmentally friendly way.

The consultation ends on October 25. Feedback will be shared at a council executive meeting in November, where the proposals will be considered.

To have your say on the consultation visit york.gov.uk/AccessConsultation