A trial scheme to ban traffic from one lane of a York road and give the extra space to pedestrians and cyclists begins tomorrow (Thursday).
City of York Council has authorised an emergency closure of the southbound lane of Bishopthorpe Road, providing more space for residents to social distance whilst walking, alongside other measures during the pandemic.
It follows feedback from local residents, ward councillors and businesses.
A closure for all southbound vehicles except cycles will be put in place close to Darnborough Street, restricting traffic on this section of Bishopthorpe Road down to Scarcroft Road.
Diversion routes will be put in place for southbound vehicles via Nunnery Lane, Blossom Street and Scarcroft Road.
‘We want feedback’
A council spokesman said: “City of York Council will keep this short-term trial under constant review.
“We encourage residents and businesses to share their feedback on this trial, so we can continue to monitor, understand and respond to these challenges.”
Deputy leader of the council Andy D’Agorne said:
We understand that they may not be convenient for all road users, which is why this will only be a short term trial and will be under constant review.
I would encourage people share their feedback on the trial so we can see how best to respond to these challenges in the medium to long term.
We are keen to identify opportunities to maintain the health benefits of low traffic and improved air quality in whatever the new normal looks like following the pandemic for communities.
To provide feedback, use the email address [email protected].
The authority is also reviewing the potential to remove barriers on cycle routes where it is possible without creating safety concerns.