Wednesday 1 January 2020

York to ban cars from city centre

York, in the north of England, is to ban cars from the city centre as it aims to become net zero by 2030.

The City of York Council plans an end to "non-essential" car journeys within the city walls within three years.

The Liberal Democrat and Green run council said those who rely on cars, such as disabled residents, would be exempt.

Labour councillor Johnny Crawshaw proposed the ban, he said: “People’s first response might be to be a bit anxious about what we’re proposing, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the right thing to do. The public mood is changing – particularly in relation to climate change.’

Plans will now be drawn up on how to enforce the ban, which will be subject to another vote before being implemented by the council.

York has announced it wants to make the city carbon neutral by 2030 - 20 years ahead of the UK government's net zero target.

York is not the first UK city to consider banning cars - Bristol has approved plans to stop diesel cars entering parts of the city centre.