Christmas market blue badge rules to be discussed

Blue badge holders could be allowed to park in a city centre during its Christmas market under new proposals.

Currently, holders are restricted from parking in York city centre during the market’s opening hours of 10:30 to 19:00 GMT.

Following criticism from disabled people, York Council is to discuss plans to alter the restriction, which would give access after 17:00.

In a report to the council executive, director of environment, transport and planning, James Gilchrist said the current plans would have a “significant impact on disabled people”.

He said: “The council remains committed to a Christmas market that facilitates blue badge holders’ vehicular access and will work with Make it York [the event organisers] to make this happen for 2025.

“However, the planning for a Christmas market starts over a year in advance.

“This urgent report has been requested by executive to review plans for 2024 and understand if blue badge holders’ vehicular access can be facilitated in some way this year.”

If the change went ahead, blue badge holders would be given access to their designated city centre route through Goodramgate, excluding Church Street after 17:00.

The proposals are due to go before councillors on Thursday, the same day the market opens.

The event runs until December 22.

Council transport spokesperson Kate Ravilious told the Local Democracy Reporting Service officials would look at a way to provide access after disabled people said restrictions would deny them access to shops and services.

She previously said plans for the Christmas market were too far advanced to be changed this year.

Other options that are expected to go before councillors include permitting access after 17:00 but only from Monday to Thursday.

A further proposal would see them allowed to drive in from 10:30 to 12:00.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the proposal to allow blue badge holders access after 17:00 all week is the council’s preferred option.