City of York Council will introduce planned trial road closures within a district covering an area north of the city centre, on Wednesday 2 September, as part of a local regeneration project.
Those who usually drive through The Groves are being encouraged by the council to plan an alternative route or where possible cycle or walk for local journeys.
The work is part of a two-year regeneration project with residents to improve the area, following feedback from local people who said they want better air quality and less traffic.
According to City of York Council, these aims support its priorities of promoting sustainable travel and help maintain social distancing during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
As such, all through routes in The Groves area between Haxby Road/Clarence Street and Huntington Road/Monkgate will be closed to traffic. Alternative routes are via the main roads surrounding the estate including Lord Mayors Walk.
Cycle routes in all directions throughout The Groves will continue. However, a small number of parking spaces will be removed or relocated to make room for turning points at the closures, while existing resident parking zones will merge so that local people can park more flexibly.
Furthermore, planters will be placed at the majority of the closure points and residents will be invited to help plant them up.
The measures will be introduced over two days (1-2 September). The work to introduce the measure will be undertaken under minimal traffic management.
Once the measures have been introduced, they will be monitored and kept under review and can continue as experimental for up to 18 months.
During this time, the scheme may be adjusted in response to residents’ experience and feedback, the council said. What’s more, the scheme can be made permanent at any point as long as it has been in place, unchanged, for at least six months.
Residents will be able to observe the measures and reflect on how they are working, and pass on their comments to the council for review.
There will be a public Executive Member for Transport decision meeting on the outcome of the trial after at least six months prior to confirming any permanent changes.
Councillor Andy D’Agorne, executive member for transport, City of York Council, said: “Our aim is to embed active travel – walking and cycling – as part of a long-term habit and reap the associated health, air quality and congestion benefits.
“However, it is crucial that any of the measures we put in place work for all residents, businesses and community organisations in the area. We’ve been engaging closely with residents and businesses and will continue to do so, allowing everyone to reflect on how they are working.
“Streets that are less congested or car dominated lead to much improved road safety, better air quality and more walking and cycling, which can improve health and wellbeing.”
