Issue - items at meetings - Micklegate Bar – Traffic Regulation Order Change Options

The report asks the Executive Member to consider options for closing Micklegate Bar to Motor Vehicles.

Resolved: That the Executive Member agreed:

(i) that an experimental Traffic Regulation order (TRO) be introduced for a maximum of 18 months and that if variations during the experimental period are required, the Assistant Director for Transport, Highways and Environment be given delegated authority to approve changes.

Reason: to determine the benefits of restricting motor vehicles in Micklegate, allowing the local community the opportunity to experience the changes before making representations and to enable any rapid variations to, including abandoning, the experiment.

(ii) that Option 3 be approved as the initial starting point of the experimental TRO. The involves introducing a plug No entry except for pedal cycles restriction at Micklegate Bar only. This would permit access to Mickelgate from the George Hudson Street junction which would address concerns about access raised by some residents and businesses during the closure for the works.

Reason: this option will have the least impact on the local community, is the least costly to implement and will have virtually no adverse impact on the historic street scene.

(iii) That the consultation letter drop area be extended to the area shown on the plan in Annex A of the report and temporary signs be put in place to advise drivers of the web address for information.

Reason: to encourage greater public participation in the consultation process for the experiment.

The Executive Member considered a report which asked him to consider options for closing Micklegate Bar to Motor Vehicles.

He acknowledged the written representation received from Councillor D’Agorne, as well as York Cycle Campaign’s views that cyclists would prefer a scheme which would stop traffic at George Hudson Street Junction and the views of the Ward Councillor noting the need for a sign at the George Hudson Street Junction making it clear that there was no access through Micklegate Bar if option 3 was agreed. He noted that the Emergency Services would still have access through Micklegate Bar in both directions using the inbound archway. Officers agreed to look at phasing of traffic lights to improve flow at this junction.

The Executive Member agreed that taking forward an experimental traffic regulation order in line with option 3 (introducing a plug No entry except for pedal cycles restriction at Micklegate Bar only) was a good starting point and this would allow access to Micklegate for residents and businesses from the George Hudson Street junction. He acknowledged that this left open other options or variations if these were considered viable.