Mixed views on buses-only plan for city streets

Most people quizzed about restricting traffic on a key route in York believe it would help ease congestion and improve bus journeys, according to a survey.

The city council has proposed keeping parts of Rougier Street, George Hudson Street and Micklegate open only to buses and emergency vehicles, a system known as a "bus gate".

More than half - 58.4% - of respondents to a survey on the plans said barring other traffic could make buses more reliable.

However, only 37.4% of people said they would definitely use buses if the restrictions were imposed, despite widespread concern about congestion.

The survey garnered 1,175 online and paper responses with more than 300 people taking part in in-person events.

The results showed the main reason people avoided using buses was their unreliability, followed by services not running frequently enough, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council said if taken forward, the restrictions would be trialled first while it monitored the impact on traffic, bus reliability, journey times and road safety.

It added concerns had been raised about the impact of the changes on Blue Badge holders, taxi drivers and on access for people living in Bishophill and Micklegate.

Under the proposals, a new southbound bus lane would be created on George Hudson Street, supported by a bus gate between its junction with Micklegate and the point where Micklegate meets Skeldergate and North Street.

Private vehicles entering Rougier Street from Station Road would no longer be able to continue through to Micklegate.

Instead, they would be required to turn right onto Tanner Row and use a new one‑way loop to reach Micklegate.

Drivers would be barred from travelling between Rougier Street and Micklegate along George Hudson Street, which would be reserved for buses, cyclists and emergency services.

However, Blue Badge holders and delivery vehicles would still be permitted to enter the restricted area to access parking and unloading bays.

The plans also include closing Victoria Bar to traffic and upgrading bus stops along the route.

Council officials said the changes were intended to ease congestion and improve journey times on a route used by more than 1,000 bus services a day.

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