Transport charges likely to go ahead
SCHOOLS: Fears a legal challenge over disabled children’s access to school transport in North Yorkshire could lead to the service being withdrawn appear to have been overcome.
North Yorkshire County Council’s executive looks set to approve proposals next week to reintroduce charges.
POLITICIANS IN York are calling for cross-party unity to ensure a bid to become the first zero-emission city centre in the country becomes a reality.
Labour councillors have written to council leaders urging them to petition the Government and glean support for the ambitious eco-friendly project.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that the Government wants at least one city centre to be restricted to bikes and electric vehicles only, as people are encouraged to cycle and walk while public transport capacity is reduced due to coronavirus.
York Council’s deputy leader, the Green Party’s Andy D’Agorne, said he would support a bid.
The council, which is run by a Liberal Democrat and Green Party coalition, has already voted in favour of banning private car journeys within the city walls by 2023 – except for people who have disabilities or other conditions that mean they must travel by car.
Coun Jonny Crawshaw, Labour member for the Micklegate ward, said: “Although Grant Shapps isn’t a natural ally of Labour, we were pleased to hear how much Government’s thinking on future transport policy chimes with the steps York has already begun to take towards a lower-car, low-carbon, people-friendly city.
“The lockdown has given us a glimpse of what significantly quieter, more peaceful streets can be like.
“Fewer cars on the roads has already led to vast improvements in air quality and it’s been great to see more people – including many families – getting out and about on their bikes, exploring parts of the city they might not previously have felt safe venturing into on two-wheels.
“We are really keen to find ways of retaining these gains as and when the lockdown is gradually eased.”
The plan for York to become the UK’s first zero-emissions city could mean only bikes, pedestrians and electric vehicles are permitted in a designated zone.
The Government is already asking local authorities to create pop-up bike lanes, widen pavements, establish pedestrianised or bus-only streets and boost bike fixing hubs to get people moving without adding more traffic to the roads or overwhelming public transport.
York is the first city nationally to roll out a voluntary clean air zone, and Coun D’Agorne highlighted other moves the council has made to boost eco-friendly transport, including introducing greener buses and plans for electric vehicle charging hubs.
Anti-idling fines of £20 for anyone who refuses to switch off a parked vehicle when asked were also launched last year.
Coun D’Agorne said: “I think York would be in a very strong position to bid for this. I would be very supportive of the idea – as with everything, our chances depend on the circumstances.”
It’s been great to see more people getting out and about on their bikes.
Coun Jonny Crawshaw, Labour councillor for the Micklegate ward.