Blue Badge holders’ Christmas market access to city centre confirmed
Following the Council’s Executive decision to establish limited Blue Badge holders’ access into York city centre during this year’s Christmas market, it’s been confirmed that it can start from 5pm on Tuesday 26 November.
The delay in implementing the new access arrangements is to allow time for a suitable temporary barrier to be fixed in Church Street to protect people in and around the busy market areas.
From Tuesday 26 November, Blue Badge holders’ can enter the city centre via sliding barriers at Goodramgate from 5pm during the Christmas market period. Access via Blake Street will be from 7pm-10:30am for this period.
James Gilchrist, Director of Environment, Transport and Planning at City of York Council, said: “Working at short notice with the UK’s only provider, we’ve secured an anti-terrorism barrier for Church Street to protect those working in and visiting the markets.
“Once it’s installed, holders of a valid Blue Badge can drive or be driven into the city centre via the staffed Goodramgate barriers from 26 November, 5pm-7pm. After 7pm, all vehicles can freely enter via all entrances to the city centre.
“We are notifying York-based Blue Badge holders and taxi operators of this update.”
Blue Badge holders can only park in Goodramgate at that time because it is wider than Colliergate. Shambles market traders will also be using this route from 5pm onwards to pack up and head home.
Blue Badge holders booking a return taxi journey must arrange to be picked up outside the barriered area.
From 23 December, Blue Badge holders’ access into the city centre via staffed barriers at Goodramgate and Blake Street will revert to the usual 10:30am-5pm, and freely from 5pm-10:30am.
The Council recognises that the revised Blue Badge holders’ access arrangements are still limited and is committed to working with partners to improve access for next year’s Christmas market.
For more detail on the routes for Blue Badge holders, please visit www.york.gov.uk/BlueBadgeAccess.
The report presented to Executive on Thursday 14 November can be read here.