Disability groups have criticised plans to limit traffic in central York during this year’s Christmas Markets.

Councillors have approved a recommendation by North Yorkshire Police for an Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO), which will restrict all traffic through York city centre between 10.00am to 7.00pm between 13 November to 21 December.

Chief Constable Tim Forber said: “City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police work in partnership throughout the year to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors in the city.

“This is especially so for the large gathering of people enjoying the Christmas Market, which national counter-terrorism experts deem vulnerable to vehicle-related terrorist attacks resulting in multiple deaths and serious injuries.

“We have seen such deplorable incidents unfold on mainland Europe in recent years and we are determined to do all we can to mitigate the risk and deter such attacks in York.”

‘Devastating consequences for us’

The decision has faced criticism from disability groups, as blue badge holders won’t be able to use accessible parking in the city centre during the period.

In a letter to The Press newspaper, a spokesperson from York Disability Rights Forum said: “As a disabled peoples-led organisation, we again find Blue Badge holders are to be locked out of our city, this time by the Police for the Christmas Markets.

“Not just for the busiest periods but for the whole time – and this comes hard on the heels of the closure of Colliergate (albeit for emergency water repairs).

“We thought we had seen the end of such exclusions and remind readers that many blue badge holders have no other way of getting to where they need to be, except via a vehicle.

“Imagine what it feels like to not be allowed to reach your optician, chemist, place of worship, bank/building society, shops, cinemas, etc, for weeks at a time.

“We all want to be safe from terrorist attacks, but this police action has devastating consequences for us.

“Our blue badges are currently scrutinised before we are allowed through the barriers so that should be enough.

“But who will be scrutinising the thousands entering the city on foot?”

Last year, blue badge holders were allowed limited access to the city centre after disability campaigners forced a U-turn on the initial ban for all traffic.

The police said they will work with the markets’ organisers, Make It York, and the city council to minimise the ‘temporary but necessary disruption’.

In a statement, City of York Council said it will be contacting those who many affected with further information.

Increasing threat

Other cities in Yorkshire haven’t yet released any plans for their own Christmas markets, but events in Leeds and Sheffield have had an increased police presence in previous years.

Christmas markets have become a major target for terrorist vehicle-ramming attacks in the last decade.

6 people died when a car was driven into crowds in the German city of Magdeburg last December.

In 2016, a truck attack against Berlin’s Christmas market killed 11.

North Yorkshire Police says it will deploy Project Servator, which “aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public,” in the run up to Christmas and throughout the festive period.

The force also takes part in the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign, which encourages communities to help tackle terrorism by reporting suspicious behaviour and activity.