Lib Dems demand answers on Christmas Market access

Liberal Democrat councillors have called for clarity from Labour-run City of York Council after weeks of confusion and mixed messages over Blue Badge access during this year’s Christmas Market. 

A decision on access arrangements had been scheduled for a meeting of the Labour Executive on 7 October, but last week the item was suddenly pulled from the agenda. A statement on the council’s website indicated that the Police would impose a temporary Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO), which will prevent vehicle access for the duration of the market. 

But a few days later the item was added back onto the agenda. A report has now been published on the council website which states that “a temporary ATTRO be made covering the whole HVM protected area (including Goodramgate-King’s Square-Colliergate and Blake Street-St Helen’s Square-Lendal loops), for the full hours of operation of the Christmas Market (10:00 – 19:00), on the basis of facilitating the safety of those attending the event” 

This follows a year of U-turns and internal rows within Labour. In 2024, the Labour Executive ignored the clear advice of counter-terror experts and allowed Blue Badge access for a limited period during the Christmas Market after pressure from York Outer MP Luke Charters and disability advocacy groups. At that point, Labour’s Executive Member for Transport, Cllr Kate Ravilious, insisted the party was “committed” to delivering wider access for Blue Badge holders in 2025. 

After a year of Labour claiming they were working on a solution, it is apparent that nothing has been achieved and the Police have now had to step in to protect residents and visitors in the city centre during the busy Christmas Market. 

Cllr Stephen Fenton, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson, said: 

“Residents are rightly asking what Labour have been doing for the last year. They promised they were committed to developing access arrangements for 2025 but all we have seen is mixed messages, U-turns and confusion. The Police – under the leadership of Labour Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire & Crime Cllr Jo Coles - have obviously had enough of this chaos and have stepped in to impose restrictions.

“Labour were elected on an irresponsible promise to ignore Police and Counter Terrorism officers’ advice on city centre access. Mindful of the very real threat of hostile vehicle attacks, York residents and visitors rightly expect city leaders to put people’s safety first. It’s frankly shameful that this administration has to be instructed by the Police to do what’s necessary to keep people safe.”