York traffic restrictions during Christmas Market and events approved

York Council’s Labour Leader Cllr Claire Douglas said there was a balance to be struck when using Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Orders (ATTROs) as proposals to make powers permanent were approved.

Cllr Kate Ravilious, the council’s Labour transport spokesperson, said it would not mean powers which had barred Blue Badge holders and others from driving into the city centre would be used more.

But opposition Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Nigel Ayre said Blue Badge holder access to the city centre should never have been politicised as the threat of vehicle attacks grows.

The executive’s decision on Wednesday, September 9, is set to see an ATTRO covering York city centre put in place permanently.

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It will mostly lie dormant with the council, police and others deciding when to activate the restrictions on a case-by-case basis during events or in response to specific threats.

Duncombe Place and Deangate would be subject to the restrictions when they are active along with the rest of the footstreet area.

ATTROs have also been used during royal visits and emergency services events.

The area around the south side of York Minster is also proposed to be included so powers can be used during New Year’s Eve gatherings.

‘Servicing periods’ outside of events, such as allowing Blue Badge holders and others back into the footstreets during the Christmas Market after 7pm, would generally be provided.

Council officials have said it will allow them to respond to requests to close roads more quickly and help affected residents, businesses and others plan accordingly.

But objectors branded the moves draconian and said they were concerned the use of the powers could escalate and were fearful of where it could lead.

A temporary ATTRO was brought in during last year’s Christmas Market, which saw drivers including Blue Badge holders barred from city centre footstreets during the event’s opening hours.

The council approved North Yorkshire Police’s request for the measures after officers said they were needed to deter potential terror attacks.

But disabled people said the measures restricted their access to the city centre in the run up to Christmas.

A map showing the area covered by the Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) (Image: City of York Council)

The Christmas Market is set to trial closing on Tuesdays for a rest day this year as part of efforts to ease the impact of restrictions on those affected.

Labour Transport Executive Member Cllr Ravilious said Wednesday’s decision would streamline the process of using the powers and allow the council to take a more consistent and evidence-based approach.

Labour Council Leader Cllr Douglas said there would be good reasons to bring traffic bans in if there was a terror threat.

But she added it would restrict residents’ ability to get around their home city.

Cllr Douglas said: “It’s always a really difficult and sensitive issue for the city and there’s a balance to be struck.”

But Liberal Democrat opposition leader Cllr Nigel Ayre said decisions around security in the city centre were best left to the police.

Cllr Ayre said: “The safety of our residents should not be a political matter.

“It was incorrect for people to previously suggest the terror threat was exaggerated.

“The number of vehicle attacks has significantly increased.”