A major discussion with residents and communities to develop a transport strategy for York is about to begin, with a series of webinars designed to help residents find out about key issues.
The draft local transport strategy has been prepared by officers and councillors, including a cross-party working group. The document examines the evidence, sets out implications and suggests the type of interventions which could be used to overcome the challenges within York’s existing transport system.
Over the coming months the council will embark on a citywide conversation to hear ideas and suggestions from residents, businesses, commuters and communities. The conversation will be delivered over several stages, starting with a series of webinars to discuss initial ideas which could be added to the plan. Later this year the council will carry out a detailed consultation, including holding stakeholder roundtables to progress the strategy.
The council has announced the first of 4 webinars, with speakers from City of York Council, York Civic Trust, other local authorities and city transport and travel partners to kickstart York’s big transport conversation.
All the webinars will be free and online and can be booked at the below links. They are:
- Tuesday 7 March, 5.30pm to 6.30pm - How can we better manage the road network? How new technology and understanding freight might help
- Thursday 9 March, 12.00pm to 1.00pm - How can we improve our walk, cycle and bus networks?
- Monday 13 March, 12.00pm to 1.00pm - How can we encourage more people to travel without using a car?
- Date TBC, How do we improve air quality and cut emissions in the areas we need to?
A recording of these webinars will be available to watch on YouTube after the event.
Viewers can ask their questions for the panel live in the comments section on the livestream, or submit them in advance by email: YourQuestions@york.gov.uk.
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:
These webinars are the start of a major conversation with York residents about how we develop a transport network fit for York’s future that can address issues such as congestion and carbon emissions.
“We will be carrying out a citywide consultation over the coming months and these events lay the groundwork, giving anyone interested the opportunity to discuss key themes, hear new ideas and consider the experiences of other cities.
“Your feedback will help to shape the final strategy, so if you have any thoughts, ideas or questions you wish to share, please get involved in our big transport conversation.”
Cllr Andy D’Agorne, Deputy Leader of the council and Executive Member for Transport said:
Your feedback in our last big conversation with the city in 2021 and 2022 fed into the initial ideas in the draft local transport strategy.
"Together, we can rise to the challenge of achieving carbon net zero by 2030, encourage more active travel and deliver a transport plan which sets out a range of measures to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and make sure our environment is protected for future generations to enjoy. Whilst York was recently announced as being amongst only 122 cities across the world to be awarded an A rating for climate action leadership by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) we know we have a lot of work to do across the city to achieve our ambitions.
"Such a big challenge requires the city to work together, sharing ideas and solutions that can protect the environment and help people move around the city. We will provide a wide range of options over the coming months to give everyone the opportunity to have a say, starting with these webinars so please get involved.”
Read more about the big transport conversation.
