Annex 3 – Charter of Street Traders Rights

Charter of Street Trader’s Rights 2024

The aim of The Charter is to safeguard the sustainability of existing businesses and jobs

generated by the Street Trading Policy. It promotes street trading activities in a way that

benefits businesses, the City of York, and the community.

The Charter’s objectives are as follows:

1) Establishment of an Official Map of all Street Trading Pitches to prevent

obstructions to trade, to be published on the City of York Council website

2) Right to Trade - Guaranteed access to the Street Trading Pitches and continuity

of business operations, including during City Centre events and activities

3) Alternative pitches to be established in the case of exceptional circumstances,

such as essential roadworks

4) Adequate notice to be given in the case of essential roadworks

5) Quarterly Meetings between the Licensing Department and Street Traders to

discuss any issues affecting street trading, ensuring transparent processes and

decision making

6) Right to Appeal / Redress - the right to independent participation of an agreed

neutral party to settle disputes

7) 2-year Licenses to enable greater business security and certainty

York Street Trader Association Aspirations:

Street Traders are committed to supporting the City of York Council’s goals for Climate

and Health by:

1) Encouraging all Street Trading businesses to sign up to the Good Business

Charter in alignment with the Council’s participation

2) Actively supporting the City of York Council’s Climate Change Strategy (2022 to

2032) by promoting more sustainable business practices such as:

a) Accessing the City Centre outside of peak congestion times

b) Aiming to transition to electric vehicles

c) Using recyclable or recycled packaging

By supporting The Charter, The City of York Council commits to prioritizing the

long-term stability of established local Street Traders who have been an integral part of

York’s community and identity for decades.