Glossary of terms
Access: Approach, entry, internal movement or exit, including in cases of emergency (BS8300 definition).
Accessible: Capable of being independently accessed and used (BS8300 definition).
Accessible route: Any route that is used to access and use a place or space, including streets, parks and landscaped (BS8300 definition) areas, to approach a building, or to move between buildings.
Adopted highway: A public road or path, including footways, managed and maintained by the highway authority.
Areas where traffic is restricted: Streets which are subject to traffic restrictions but not fully pedestrianised. For example, vehicular access is restricted on Fossgate during the day, expect for access.
BS 8300: British Standard for the design of an accessible and inclusive built environment - BS 8300-1: 2018, BSI Knowledge.
Carriageway: The part of a road intended for vehicles rather than pedestrians.
Clear width: Clear distance measured between walls or other obstructions or across a path.
Disability: Physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on a person’s ability to do normal daily activities (Equality Act 2010 definition).
Footway: A pavement, the part of a highway which has been set apart for pedestrians.
Government guidance: In this document, this refers to the government Pavement licences: guidance: “Pavement licences: guidance, Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities”.
Licensed area: In this document, this refers to a pavement café area licensed under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 and the Business and Planning Act 2020.
Pedestrianised area: In York, the footstreet area includes most city centre streets as described on the council website.
Tapping rail: A rail installed on barriers, at approximately 150mm height, to guide blind or partially sighted pedestrians around the enclosed area.