A York retailer fears that the latest proposed traffic restrictions could make it unviable.
The long-established shop says current limits on cars entering the city centre have hit it hard – and extra limits might push it out of business.
City of York Council wants to restrict access to the footstreets during 10.30am to 5pm to blue light emergency vehicles and the Dial A Ride service only.
These restrictions will be enforced by new barriers to be installed in the city centre.
The proposal comes after last year’s decision to stop blue badge holders driving on the footstreets during the day.
“This followed strong advice from the Counter Terrorism Policing Team to remove all vehicles from the busy city centre footstreets at these times,” the council says.
But one shop has written to strongly object to the barriers being introduced and the decision to stop blue badge holders parking in Goodramgate.
‘Massively detrimental’
In its submission to the council it says: “The limited access for Blue Badge holders has had a massive detrimental affect on our business.
“If disabled access continues to be restricted down Goodramgate, a large percentage of our business is eliminated during the working week and I cannot see a future for our business in York city centre.”
It comes after a tough few years for retailers, the shop says. “After years of Brexit uncertainty and two years of Covid restrictions, retailers are in a pretty desperate situation as it is and would have welcome support to help business from York City Council.
“I wish that York City Council would also consider the state of car parking generally in the city centre. In order for retail shops to survive something desperately needs to be done.”
The plans will be discussed at the decision session for the executive member for transport on Tuesday (21 June). You can read the documents here.
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