York is aiming to have the first zero-emissions city centre in the UK by allowing in only pedestrians, bikes and electric vehicles. Councillors have also voted in favour of banning private car journeys within the city walls by 2023 (with disabled people exempt).
The city’s clean air zone was the first in the country, following previous green transport measures that include the purchase of low-emission buses, plans to install more electric vehicle charging points, and fining people if they do not turn off the engine of a parked car.
The UK transport secretary announced in May 2020 that the government would select one city to showcase the benefits of green transport. Like York, many other councils have created extra bike lanes and pedestrian-only zones to encourage greener travel and lower congestion and pollution in the wake of Covid-19 and lockdown. But it is reported that many of York’s councillors are particularly in favour of being such a showcase city, with City of York Council deputy leader Andy D’Agorne saying he would support a bid.
Cllr Paula Widdowson, executive member for climate change, said: “We’re committed to building a greener and cleaner York with carbon emissions reduced to zero by 2030.”
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York is aiming to have the first zero-emissions city centre in the UK by allowing in only pedestrians, bikes and electric vehicles. Councillors have also voted in favour of banning private car journeys within the city walls by 2023 (with disabled people exempt).
The city’s clean air zone was the first in the country, following previous green transport measures that include the purchase of low-emission buses, plans to install more electric vehicle charging points, and fining people if they do not turn off the engine of a parked car.
The UK transport secretary announced in May 2020 that the government would select one city to showcase the benefits of green transport. Like York, many other councils have created extra bike lanes and pedestrian-only zones to encourage greener travel and lower congestion and pollution in the wake of Covid-19 and lockdown. But it is reported that many of York’s councillors are particularly in favour of being such a showcase city, with City of York Council deputy leader Andy D’Agorne saying he would support a bid.
Cllr Paula Widdowson, executive member for climate change, said: “We’re committed to building a greener and cleaner York with carbon emissions reduced to zero by 2030.”