City of York Council is urging its residents to take part in what it describes as the laregest public consultation on transport in the area since 2010.

Its Our Big Transport Conversation, shares 10 key policy areas which will help form a new Local Transport Plan and deliver a more sustainable and reliable transport network for several decades to come.

So far hundreds of residents and businesses have responded and the council’s teams have visited libraries, been out with the mobile library, welcomed engaging conversations with people at the council Friargate events, and presented to York’s Youth Council, plus tourism and business leaders. Further public events are planned for January next year, including engagement with business and city leaders, accessibility groups and school assemblies.

A few topics have already emerged:

• buses – especially around routes, accessibility, and service timetables
• identifying physical barriers to cyclists and wheelchair users, particularly in some of our parks and more rural areas
• hospitality leaders have told us that more support is needed for public transport in employment catchment areas outside the City of York Council boundary
• specific areas of congestion and pollution, such as Gillygate, and the impact on surrounding streets

Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy and Transport at City of York Council, said: “Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far – Our Big Transport Conversation is a genuine opportunity for residents, visitors and all stakeholders to share their thoughts on the future of travelling in to, out of, and around York.

“We’re here to listen to all feedback. We are really encouraged by the open and honest conversations we’re having on what can be a thorny issue.

“It’s not too late to take part and if you have not yet contributed then we really do want to hear from you. The closing date is 4 February so please do review the materials online, or pop along to one of our events and have a chat with our team.”