‘Park and sail’ could be a key solution to York’s car-clogged streets

Could the river be the answer to York’s car-clogged streets?

A new report says the introduction of ‘park and sail’ services could help ease traffic jams, reduce pollution and help York go carbon neutral on transport.

The idea is put forward in Celebrating our Distinctive Heritage, commissioned jointly by Historic England and the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

“The River Ouse is a major, navigable waterway that links the city centre with the A1237/A64 ring-roads,” the report says.

“While not the sole answer, ‘park-and- sail’ services – not unlike a scaled-down version of London’s ‘Thames Clipper’ services operated for TfL and integrated with other forms of public transport – could provide a distinctive and more sustainable approach.

“While some of the city’s bridges have relatively low ‘air-draught’, other major historic cities such as Amsterdam, Paris and Stockholm have similar issues and appropriate craft are available.”

Other local authorities have successfully launched park and sail schemes.

Visitors to Keswick in the Lake District are taking part in a new scheme where people can park at the rugby club and access boats on Derwentwater lake.

This is designed to cut “unprecedented” road congestion in the Cumbrian town.

Helen Simpson, chair of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said today’s report “can be used as a blueprint – both locally and beyond – for levelling-up heritage, creating a better understanding and appreciation of the region’s historic environment, attracting investment and ensuring that heritage priorities are reflected in stakeholders’ plans and delivery actions.

“We see it as a call to action for thinking and acting differently about our heritage and our places.”