Extended access for Blue Badge holders’ during this year’s Christmas market will begin from 5.00pm on 26 November.
From 26 November Blue Badge holders will be able to acces the city centre 2 hours earlier, from 5.00pm rather than 7.00pm.
The delay in implementing the new access arrangements is to allow time for a suitable temporary barrier to be installed in Church Street, to protect people in and around the busy market areas.
From 26 November, Blue Badge holders can enter the city centre via sliding barriers at Goodramgate from 5.00pm during the Christmas market period. Access via Blake Street will be from 7.00pm to 10:30am for this period.
James Gilchrist, Director of Environment, Transport and Planning at City of York Council, said:
Working at short notice, we’ve secured an anti-terrorism barrier from the UK’s only provider, for Church Street to protect those working in and visiting the markets.
“Once it’s installed, holders of a valid Blue Badge can drive or be driven into the city centre via the staffed Goodramgate barriers from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. After 7.00pm, all vehicles can freely enter via all entrances to the city centre.
“We're notifying York-based Blue Badge holders and taxi operators of this update.”
Blue Badge holders can only park in Goodramgate at that time, because it's wider than Colliergate. Shambles market traders will also be using this route from 5.00pm onwards to pack up and head home.
Blue Badge holders booking a return taxi journey must arrange to be picked up outside the barriered area.
From 23 December, Blue Badge holders’ access into the city centre via staffed barriers at Goodramgate and Blake Street will revert to the usual 10.30am to 5.00pm, and freely from 5.00pm to 10:30am.
The council recognised that the revised Blue Badge holders' access ararangements are still limited, and is committed to working with partners to improve access for next year's Christmas market.
See further details on city centre access routes for Blue Badge holders.
See details of the report presented to Executive on Thursday 14 November.