The walls surrounding York city centre are to mark a car free zone in a bid to make the city carbon neutral by 2030
The City of York Council, run by the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party, has voted to ban cars from travelling within the city walls by 2023.
The scheme is part of a plan to make the city carbon neutral 20 years ahead of the net zero target made by the UK government. Labour Councillor Johnny Crawshaw proposed the idea and according to the Local Democracy Report Service, received support from a majority of councillors. Councillor Cranshaw said: “People’s first response might be to be a bit anxious about what we’re proposing, that doesn’t mean it’s not the right thing to do. The public mood is changing, particularly in relation to climate change.”
The idea of the scheme will be to reduce congestion and ultimately reduce vehicle emissions. The City of York Council executive member for transport will be required to develop a plan, which is then subject to consultation, to get the scheme implemented.
Deputy leader of The City of York Council, Andy D’Agorne, said: “York is committed to becoming a carbon-neutral city by 2030. Reducing congestion and supporting more residents and visitors to move around our wonderful city through walking, cycling and public transport is essential to meet our ambition.”
It is understood that bus services, tourist coaches, disabled car drivers and businesses delivering items may still be allowed inside the city centre after the legislation is implemented.
Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of The Confederation of Passenger Transport UK told CBW: “The congestion faced by residents of York is the same problem experienced by people across the country but the thinking from York Council is very refreshing. There are lots of tricky issues to work through between now and 2023 – defining ‘essential’ car journeys, maintaining traffic flow on the roads around the city centre, ensuring there are ample bus services throughout the day – but the intention is clear: shifting the focus from moving vehicles to moving people and bus will have a central role to play.”
Mark Bichtemann, Managing Director of First York, tweeted in reaction to the proposals: “A brave proposal for York and one that needs careful evaluation – public transport and bus are part of the solution to make this work. Strong local partnerships will be the key to success.”
The proposals come as First York takes delivery of the first Optare Metrodecker EV out of its order for 21 made in March 2019.
Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani said: “Buses are vital for taking cars off the road, driving down emissions and cleaning up our air, and I am delighted that York is now set to do this with a cleaner, greener fleet – made possible through £3.3m awarded under the 2016 Low Emission Bus Scheme.
“This scheme, along with our Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme, continues to help the sector to reduce emissions and make buses an increasingly sustainable form of transport.’’
Some of the current Park & Ride fleet of Optare Versas and Mercedes-Benz Citaro G articulated single-deckers are also undergoing refurbishment and repaint into the new dark blue livery which is being rolled out to coincide with the new Optare Metrodecker EVs being delivered.
