Compromise over parking restrictions at Xmas market

Blue Badge access to the whole markets area could be reinstated by next year, the council said

Disabled drivers will be allowed to park closer to a Christmas market after a U-turn over restrictions.

City of York Council had previously banned all traffic, including Blue Badge holders, from parking in the city centre during the St Nicholas Fair's opening hours this season.

After lobbying by disability campaigners, the council has agreed that limited access can be reinstated via Goodramgate, although other routes will remain closed.

Councillor Kate Ravilious told a meeting that the idea was to "work towards access throughout the day for next year's market".

Blue Badge holders will now have access via Goodramgate

The council said that the concerns over vehicle access were due to the risks to pedestrian safety during a period when footfall was higher because of the markets.

Ms Ravilious added: "We are meeting Make It York next week, and we are committed to try and enable Blue Badge access through the entire market next year."

She said the council had agreed to permit Blue Badge holders’ entry via the sliding barriers at Goodramgate from 17:00 to 10:30 GMT during the Christmas market period.

The barrier will be staffed and Blue Badges checked between 17:00 and 19:00.

During this two-hour period, Blue Badge holders’ access will be for Goodramgate and Colliergate only and parking can be on Goodramgate only.

The St Nicholas Fair opened on 14 November and runs until 22 December. There is no vehicle access to the city centre via Lendal, Blake Street and Church Street between 10:30 and 19:00 BST.

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