CORONAVIRUS - York's new recovery plan

As the government relaxes the restrictions for retailers from 15 June, City of York Council is developing a strategy to build  confidence that York is a safe, healthy and attractive place for everyone.

This new strategy forms part of the council’s Recovery and Renewal Strategy.  

The strategy will focus on:

• Prioritising active travel (including cycling and walking) by investing in and improving park and cycle sites, increased cycle parking and new cycle routes
• Providing a short term approach to car travel including incentivised short stay parking in some of the city centre car parks
• maintaining confidence in and responding to the short term reduction in capacity on public transport - by working with bus and rail operators to ensure people can continue to use public transport with confidence
• Creating a people focussed city centre including increasing the city centre foot streets and public spaces to create an attractive environment that people can visit with confidence with space to social distance

The council says it will deliver these measures 'at pace' to best accelerate the recovery of the economy -  allowing doors to open safely in June whilst protecting residents’ safety.

Residents will be able to give feedback about the plan once measures are in place by participating in the city-wide consultation “Our Big Conversation” helping to set a long-term vision for the city.

This will be launched in the next couple of weeks

Cllr Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council:

“Our new strategy is a clear and coherent city-wide plan designed to support economic recovery, lock-in as many of the active transport benefits as possible and be easily adaptable should government restrictions change.

This plan recognises and invests in the vital role our city’s businesses have played in the community.  

Over the past few weeks we have seen businesses supporting their neighbourhoods like never before, whether delivering food or sharing PPE.  

It’s only by taking an integrated approach to York’s recovery that we can confidently return to full economic health.”

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, deputy leader and executive member for transport:

“This strategy will deliver bold measures to help residents and visitors make more use of active travel like cycling and walking as safe and attractive options.

Many residents now recognise the considerable health benefits of lower traffic levels and daily exercise.

To return to something better - making the most of the opportunities to create a ‘new normal’ is critical – keeping us and the people around us safe, in line with latest government guidance.”

The strategy will be implemented in two stages, including measures intended to be in place throughout the COVID_19 response, and those that will be introduced or stopped depending on the government alert level at any given time.

The council’s Recovery and Renewal Strategy will be considered at a remote meeting of the Executive meeting on June 25, with residents encouraged to take part, after launching a city-wide consultation, Our Big Conversation.

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