Minster FM News
More York streets could be closed to traffic
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Published by the Minster FM News Team at 9:29am 9th July 2020. (Updated at 12:49pm 9th July 2020)
Micklegate, Castlegate and other shopping streets across the city could be partly closed to traffic under temporary coronavirus guidelines.
Earlier this week it was announced that Fossgate will be pedestrianised between 10.30am to 8pm – under City of York Council plans – to give visitors more room for social distancing and businesses extra space to put tables and chairs outside.
And a council meeting heard that businesses on other streets have also contacted the council about temporary traffic bans.
Andy Kerr, head of regeneration at the council, said options could also be considered for Castlegate, King’s Square and Micklegate.
The new traffic bans are set to be in place until December 15.
Cllr Jonny Crawshaw:
“Having spoken with traders and residents in the Micklegate area many times over the last few years it’s clear that there is a lot of support for making further improvements to the street, building on the many positive changes we’ve already seen over recent years.
Supporting businesses through the next phase of the coronavirus crisis is vital.
By allowing the cafes, restaurants and other businesses to trade in the open air we can help entice people out of their homes and back to the centre.
Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment by reallocating more of the road-space on Micklegate for pedestrians and traders will help give people confidence to return.
It could be fantastic for the street and the wider area. I’m really excited about the possibilities.”
James Gilchrist, assistant director of transport at the council:
“As part of this strategy, we’ve talked to businesses and trading associations and have encouraged them to work together to put forward proposals to the council for their streets, and wherever possible the council will support and facilitate these proposals.
In the case of Fossgate the council has responded to the submission from the traders, and extended the footstreets to allow outdoor seating and greater social distancing.”
Businesses will need a licence to put tables on the pavement.
The plans have met with a mixed reaction:
There's no need for cars to go down micklegate and Fossgate during trading hours
— Ian McQueen-Mason (@ianMM) July 9, 2020
And now micklegate and castlegate, no thought for the people and their choice
— adam dixon (@adaslfc2005) July 9, 2020
Well we try to tell them that People like cars but they would rather drive customers out of town, and have nothing but Pubs with loads of drunks especially on a Saturday. I know we need to sort pollution and agree with this but York needs people coming in now by what ever means.
— Sheila's Greengrocer Est 1971 (@sheilas321veg) July 9, 2020
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