York Green Party says that the change in government means York’s Labour council now has more scope to achieve an effective Movement and Place Plan for the whole of York, starting with a range of ‘quick wins’ that can be implemented by May 2026, to include extending lower speed limits. The latest Transport proposals are due to be discussed at the council’s Economy, Place Access and Transport Scrutiny meeting on Sept 24th
York Green Party welcomes the approach recommended in the report approved by Executive on July 18th this year: However the party also stress the need for urgent action to tackle inappropriate speeds where people live and work.
York being left behind
“Having seen 20mph limits extended to many big city centres such as Edinburgh, York should clearly catch up by including the whole of our city centre as 20mph (or lower in the footstreets where 10mph applies).” said spokesperson Andy D’Agorne.
The party also suggests that the council should undertake a review all B + C roads in suburbs and villages that are not yet 20mph and consult on plans to extend 20mph here and on A roads around the edge of the city centre and where they pass through shopping areas and busy junctions. “Walking and cycling is far safer and more attractive where traffic is calmed, so lower speeds are an important element of the Transport Plan’s aim to boost walking and cycling. Within the first six months of the new lower speeds policy being in force in Wales there has been a 29% reduction in road casualties. Bus use is also more likely where it feels safe to walk to and from the bus stop.” said Andy
Call for 20mph outside York Station
The party is supportive of plans to reduce delays for pedestrians at signalized crossings around the city centre and has called for the whole road from Blossom St past the station and through to Bootham to be made 20mph as part of the enhanced walking and cycling between the station and the city centre. “After all the disruption and effort creating the new entrance to our city for visitors getting lower speeds should surely be an essential element of the project” said Andy
