Blue Badge holders notified of arrangements for York’s Christmas Market

Thursday, 3 October 2024 13:23

By Alexander Chadwick @thisisyo1

Blue Badge holders are being notified that the two routes into York city centre will temporarily close from 10:30am-7pm daily during the Christmas market period of 14 November to 22 December.

This will be the first such closure since the routes reopened, and access will remain open 7pm-10:30am daily.

It was agreed when these routes reopened, that at extremely busy times during major events, they would need to close temporarily. One of these times was expected to be during the Christmas markets. This formed part of the original consultation to allow Blue Badge holder access that included disabled people, businesses and residents. The closure was recommended by the city's multi-agency Safety Advisory Group.

Taxi firms are also being contacted about this temporary change.

Cllr Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said: “When we reopened these important routes, we were clear that at extremely busy times, we’d have to consider temporarily closing them. The popular Christmas markets are one such time.

“In future years we intend to find ways to enable Blue Badge holders' access to the city centre during the Christmas market, but this requires significant forward planning with Make it York.

“We’re notifying Blue Badge holders and taxi drivers and operators well ahead of this temporary closure from Thursday 14 November to Sunday 22 December, 10:30am-7pm.

“This will be York’s first Christmas with the temporary barriers replaced with permanent barriers, now offering a safe and attractive city centre environment during a very busy period. The temporary barriers did the job but I’m not sorry to see them go.”

For more detail on the routes for Blue Badge holders, please visit www.york.gov.uk/RestoredAccess

More from Community Information

Friday 29 November, 10am - see York Minster's Advent Wreath raised National Schools Singing Programme raises the Wreath at York Minster

As doors up and down the country are being decorated with Advent wreaths of holly and ivy to the sounds of Michael Bublé or Carols from Kings, York Minster's talented Flower Arrangers are preparing to do much the same, but both the wreath and the backing track need to be a little bigger to fill the Minster’s cavernous central crossing.
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.
Private fostering? Get in touch

City of York Council and safeguarding partners across the city are reminding residents that they need to get in touch with the council if they are making arrangements for someone else to look after their child/children for longer than 28 days.
City of York council unveils key proposals in ‘Our Big Budget Conversation’ amidst unprecedented financial pressures

City of York Council is asking for the community’s continued engagement as it tackles one of the most challenging budgets in its history.
St Sampson’s Centre to serve as a 'Quiet Oasis' this Christmas

St Sampson's Centre will serve the community as a peaceful and welcoming retreat this Christmas for a serene moment amid the seasonal celebrations.