The opening of York’s Christmas Market could be pushed back by half an hour to ease the impact on Blue Badge holders during the six-week event.
York Council plans propose delaying the opening of the market to 10.30am so disabled people have more time to get in and out of the city centre in the morning.
A loading bay in Duncombe Place would also temporarily be converted into Blue Badge spaces and £5,000 would be given to a charity to support free mobility aid hiring.
A council report stated the measures aimed to reduce the adverse impact of a city centre vehicle ban set to take effect when the market begins on Thursday, November 13.
It comes as the proposals are set to go before the council’s executive for a decision today, (Tuesday, November 4).
They follow the Labour administration’s approval of North Yorkshire Police’s request for an Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) during the event which runs until Saturday, December 21.
Drivers will be banned from all city centre streets already subject to hostile vehicle measures during the opening hours of the market which run until 7pm daily.
The force’s Chief Constable, Tim Forber, said the measures were needed to deter vehicle attacks which have targeted Christmas markets and other mass gatherings elsewhere.
But disabled people told October’s executive it would restrict their ability to visit the city centre, access its services, shop and socialise in the run up to Christmas.
Labour council Leader, Cllr Claire Douglas, said they effectively had no choice but to approve the ATTRO but restricting access to the city centre for some was not good enough.
Council deputy leader, Cllr Pete Kilbane, said the authority could not justify putting on an event which locked a proportion of York’s population out, casting doubt on the market’s future.
The event’s organisers Make It York has since warned about the economic impact of the loss of the seasonal boost to hospitality businesses, shops and attractions if it is axed.
The report on the latest proposals stated £5,000 would be given to the Shopmobility charity, supporting the equivalent of between 277 and 625 equipment hires.
All local Blue Badge holders would be informed of the measures if they are approved and they would be directed to additional resources and online support.
Exemptions to the ATTRO for council waste collection and disposal vehicles along with Royal Mail and Boots deliveries would also be made if the executive approves the proposals.
Emergency services vehicles and those coming to the city centre for urgent and necessary utility works and repairs would also be exempt.
A sweep of the area covered by the order would take place every morning before the start of the event, with any drivers found there instructed to leave before 10.30am.
Any vehicles left within the area after 10.30am would be served with a penalty charge notice (PCN) and towed for violating a waiting and loading ban in place during the event.
Councillors are set to review arrangements for future Christmas markets and other city centre events early next year.
The council’s report stated that the Christmas Market plays a significant role in underpinning the city’s economy resilience, supporting businesses and generating revenue.
But it added important sections of the community were being prevented from fullly accessing the city centre during the event while residents and businesses face broader disruption.
The report stated that while the postives of the event outweighed the negatives on balance, the event could be improved.
The report stated: “Customer feedback includes strong sentiment around overcrowding.
“Infrastructure in the city centre, whilst supported through additional income, is also placed under pressure.
“The costs associated with the safe running of the event are also mounting year-on-year.”
