Agenda item

This report presents the proposal for the advertisement of the statutory consultation for amending the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) with the effect of removal of certain vehicle exemptions during the pedestrian hours and to propose potential mitigation measures.

Resolved:

                   i.        Approved the request to advertise the proposal to amend the Traffic Regulation Order, to remove the exemptions on vehicles with a Blue Disabled User Badge from permitted access to the footstreets during the pedestrian hours, as set out in the report.

Reason:    To increase public safety in areas of high footfall and reduce the level of conflict between vehicles and pedestrians, particularly in busy periods.

                  ii.        Approved the advertisement of new Blue Badge parking areas on the outskirts of the pedestrian area and approve further investigation into some additional areas with the exception of two spaces on St Andrew’s Place.

Reason:    To provide an improved level of Blue Badge parking and increase the availability of Blue Badge parking amenity.

The Executive Member for Transport whilst noting the wide nature of disabilities that can impact members of our community and how the TRO therefore impacts individuals differently welcomed the report. He noted that the current temporary measure had initially supported social distancing and is now assisting with giving confidence to visitors and residents that York is a safe City, by allowing City Centre Businesses to take advantage of the Government’s relaxation of regulations regarding Café Licences.

The Executive Member enquired how the consultation in this report related to the My City Centre consultation. Officers confirmed that the traffic regulation orders could be amended in order to align with any scheme that arose from my City Centre Consultation which is addressing the whole City Centre not the smaller area that is the subject of the consultation in this report.

Resolved:

                   i.        Approved the request to advertise the proposal to amend the Traffic Regulation Order, to remove the exemptions on vehicles with a Blue Disabled User Badge from permitted access to the footstreets during the pedestrian hours, as set out in the report.

Reason:    To increase public safety in areas of high footfall and reduce the level of conflict between vehicles and pedestrians, particularly in busy periods.

                  ii.        Approved the advertisement of new Blue Badge parking areas on the outskirts of the pedestrian area and approve further investigation into some additional areas with the exception of two spaces on St Andrew’s Place.

Reason:    To provide an improved level of Blue Badge parking and increase the availability of Blue Badge parking amenity.