York city centre blue badge access restored from Thursday.

The ban was introduced during the pandemic and made permanent in 2021

Restricted access to the city centre of York for disabled drivers will be lifted on Thursday.

Disabled parking in pedestrianised areas was banned in 2021 to make way for measures to protect against vehicle-based terror attacks.

It was reversed in October 2023 by the new Labour council, which said Blue Badge access "would become a permanent feature of the city centre".

Disabled drivers will have to present a valid Blue Badge to barrier staff.

Katie Lomas, executive member for finance, performance, major projects and equalities, said: "Restoring this important access for disabled residents is the first step and we are eager to hear Blue Badge holders' experience of passing through the new barriers and accessing the city centre.

"Blue Badge holder access will become a permanent feature of the city centre."

Restrictions were first introduced in 2019 and were made permanent in 2021 by the previous Liberal Democrat/Green-run council, but attracted strong opposition from disability groups.

The Labour Party had committed to reversing the ban as part of its campaign during the last council elections in May 2023.

The council said Blue Badge holders would be able to access the city centre via Goodramgate.

They can then drive along Goodramgate, and out via the bollards at Colliergate.

Motorists will also be able to drive both ways along Church Street and turn around at the junction with Silver Street, just beyond St Sampson's Centre.

Once installation and connection of the anti-terror measures are complete, which is expected to be later this year, access will also be available via staffed, sliding bollards at Blake Street, through St Helen's Square and out through CCTV-controlled sliding bollards at Lendal.

Blue Badge holders and other drivers can continue to drive into the city centre before 10.30 and after 17:00 when the barriers are not in operation.