City of York Council would like to hear views on the temporary one way restriction which was introduced in Coppergate in June 2020, as part of an Emergency Active Travel scheme.
It could mean that they stay in place for good.
The one way system was introduced as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020, to provide additional space for pedestrians on the narrow sections of footway in Coppergate.
The one way arrangement allows buses and taxis to travel from Parliament Street to Clifford Street along Coppergate, but not in the other direction.
As part of the temporary restriction, a contraflow cycle lane was provided to enable cyclists to continue to travel along Coppergate in both directions.
The restrictions to vehicle type permitted between 8am and 6pm (buses and taxis only) remained in place, although outside these times the one-way restriction applies to all the traffic types on Coppergate, including loading vehicles.
The maximum 18 month period for a temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will come to an end in December 2021.
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Views are being sought on whether:
- the one way restriction should continue (subject to the approval of the Secretary of State)
- or the layout should revert to the previous arrangements.
The City Council says:
“The one way arrangement has reduced vehicle levels in this area of the city centre and improved the environment for cyclists.
“However, the restriction has had a significant impact on bus and taxi services and their users owing to the longer distance travelled for services diverting via Clifford Street and Tower Street to Piccadilly.
“Bus stops and shelter provision is also poorer, with a number of bus services needing to use the bus stop by Banana Warehouse on Piccadilly, which has no shelter or seating, in place of using stops on Piccadilly which are of better quality.”
The consultation will run from Thursday 21 October to Thursday 4 November
- completing an online survey: york.gov.uk/consultation
- by email: coppergate@york.gov.uk
- by post: FREEPOST RTEG-TYYU-KLTZ, Coppergate, City of York Council, West Offices, Station Rise, York YO1 6GA.
Following the consultation a decision will be taken by the Executive Member for Transport on 16 November on whether to submit an application to the Secretary of State to extend the Temporary TRO.
This will enable the necessary design and statutory processes for a permanent change to be progressed.
Or alternatively, the council will remove the temporary restriction and revert to the original two way arrangement.
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