Private motor vehicles may also be restricted on roads close to primary schools in the city at drop off and pick up times.

York City Council deputy leader Andy D'Agorne said: “We need to consider all options for creating a largely car free environment.”

He added that York has been at the forefront of transport innovation for over 30 years. “In 1987 we restricted through traffic on certain streets, we have six park and ride sites and have a track record of promoting sustainable travel and cycling.”

Councillor D'Agorne suggested that York could follow the example set in the Belgian city of Ghent, which has a ‘circulation plan’ that prevents motorists passing from one area of the city to another (see Transportation Professional, February 2018).

The city declared a climate emergency last year and the council aims to become carbon neutral by 2030, but at a meeting of the council on 19 December it agreed that it will not achieve its 10 year aim without taking further steps.

The council says it will work with disability groups and blue badge holders to ensure access to the city is maintained or improved for those with mobility difficulties, and consult with traders to ensure deliveries continue and businesses are not adversely affected by the proposal.

York Civic Trust’s transport advisory group chairman Professor Tony May said he welcomes the proposal to ban vehicles from the centre of the city in principle, but added that much more needs to be done to address concerns of residents, commuters and visitors.

He added: “I estimate that only 5% of car based journeys to work are to the city centre; simply restricting these will leave 95% of car commuting unaffected, and hence do little to alleviate the major problems of congestion, air quality and the impact on climate change.”

York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce president Andrew Digwood commented: “We recognise the importance of the topic of climate change and managing congestion in and around the city, and the health and welfare of local people; but we’d like to know more details about the planned changes so that we can share and consult with our members.”

Sustrans' North of England director Rosslyn Colderley said: "York’s decision to ban private cars in the city centre is a very positive step in the right direction to encourage more people to walk and cycle short journeys. It will help reduce air pollution and create happier, healthier places for everyone."

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