York disabled residents' views sought on city centre access

Campaigners held protests in York against the blue badge ban, which has now been reversed

Disabled people in York are being asked for their views on how to make the city centre more accessible.

Disabled parking in pedestrianised areas was banned in 2021 to make way for anti-terror bollards, but the ban was overturned in October.

City of York Council said blue badge holders' access to the city centre would be restored from 4 January.

Councillor Katie Lomas said it now wanted "a better understanding" of how to improve overall accessibility.

Bosses at City of York Council want to hear from disabled people about their experiences

Ms Lomas, the authority's executive member for equality, said: "Shaping the city centre so it is accessible for everyone is a key priority for us.

"By listening to and learning from the disabled community, including about how to improve blue badge access to the city, we will understand how to make sure the city is welcoming for everyone.

"We want to build a better understanding of how to make the city centre more accessible, in the short and longer-term and hear your views on all possible options."

On 12 October, incoming Labour councillors reversed the ban following fierce opposition from disability campaigners.

Sliding bollards

From 4 January, blue badge holders will be able to drive into the city centre when bollards are in operation from 10:30 GMT to 17:00 GMT. Access will be via staffed, sliding bollards at the junction of Goodramgate and Deangate. The exit will be via CCTV-controlled sliding bollards at Colliergate.

Once the security measures are complete, access for blue badge holders will also be via sliding bollards at Blake Street, through St Helen's Square and out through CCTV-controlled sliding bollards at Lendal.

Residents and blue badge holders will continue to be able to drive into the city centre outside these hours, the council said.

Blue badge holders will be contacted about how to get involved in the consultation. The results of the consultation will be added to to the City Access Plan, the council said.