While touring the city centre last weekend as part of the Residents Weekend, we called at the Hilton Hotel where there was a display of proposals for access buses in the pedestrian areas of the city.
During the pandemic the area of pedestrian streets in the main shopping area of York was extended, and at the same time the concession that allowed disabled motorists drive into certain pedestrian streets was withdrawn. That led to a long campaign to restore disabled access, but the council has resisted. Now it is proposed to run a bus or buses through the pedestrian streets with a terminus at either end of its route at a car park with disabled parking spaces, so that access to the city centre would be restored for the disabled.
Outside the hotel was a display of three types of bus that might be used for the service, so we were able to have a look inside them. They are illustrated in this collage.
Personally I feel that any vehicle on a pedestrian street poses a risk to pedestians, who have become used to walking where they like and won't be expecting vehicles. On the other hand it is necessary to provide access for the disabled. An interesting problem to be solved - it will be interesting to see what the council decides to do to resolve it.
I totally agree with you about the risk of having buses going through pedestrian streets. And also think that disabled persons should be provided with a means to reach the city centre. Not an easy to solve the issue. Lovely pictures of the buses - my preference would be the top right one.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and fav, they are very much appreciated.
I'm glad I don't have to make the decision on access - whatever decision is taken will result in complaints from one viewpoint or another!
Ian