York Christmas market blue badge restrictions to be discussed

He said: “The council remains committed to a Christmas market that will facilitate vehicle access for blue badge holders and will work with Make it York (event organisers) to deliver this in 2025.

“But planning for the Christmas market starts more than a year in advance.

“This urgent report was requested by the executive to review plans for 2024 and understand whether vehicle access for blue badge holders could be facilitated in some way this year.”

If the change goes ahead, blue badge holders will be given access to the designated city center route via Goodramgate, excluding Church Street, after 5pm.

The proposals are expected to be presented to the council members on Thursday, the day the market opens.

The event will last until December 22.

The council’s transport spokeswoman Kate Ravilious said officials from the Local Democracy Reporting Service would look for a way to provide access for disabled people after they said the restrictions would prevent them from accessing shops and services.

He previously said plans for the Christmas market were too advanced to change this year.

Other options expected to be put before councilors include allowing access after 5pm but only Monday to Thursday.

Another proposal calls for allowing them to drive in from 10:30 to 12:00.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that the proposal to allow blue badge holders access after 5pm throughout the week is the council’s preferred option.