Options to reverse York blue badge ban to be discussed

Police would still have the power to lock down access to the city centre under counter-terror rules

Options for reversing the ban on blue badge parking in York city centre will be discussed by the council.

The outlawing of disabled parking in pedestrianised areas was introduced in 2021 to make way for bollards designed to deter vehicle-based terror attacks.

Council officers said the ban could stay in place to limit security risks, or some streets could be reopened to blue badge holders.

The options will be considered by councillors at a meeting on Thursday.

City of York Council's new Labour leader, Claire Douglas, said halting the ban was a "top priority" after the party took control in May.

But a security adviser at North East Counter Terrorism Police said that in order to make anti-terror measures effective "it would be necessary to exclude all vehicles from access" to the city centre when it is crowded, including blue badge holders.

Some streets could be reopened to blue badge holders under the plans

A council report sets out two options for councillors.

They can either continue with the current ban or open access for blue badge holders to Blake Street, Lendal, St Helen's Square, Goodramgate, Church Street, Kings' Square and Colliergate from January 2024.

The report said the decision was "challenging" as councillors must "balance the security advice from the counter terrorism police, public safety, and the rights of all users of the pedestrianised streets" with the needs of blue badge holders.

Reopening the streets would cost the council an extra £200,000 a year in staffing to allow people through the barriers, it said.

Roads could also be shut during busy events to protect pedestrians.