Gillygate pollution improvements to be discussed by council

Officers are proposing a trial to tackle congestion and improve air quality in Gillygate, which will be discussed at a council session on Thursday, December 5.

Councillors are recommended to approve trialling changes to the traffic light sequencing, which they hope would reduce stationary traffic on the street with the worst air quality in York.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport at City of York Council said: "In our big transport conversation, Gillygate was identified by residents and stakeholders as an area where people wanted to see change.

"We share that desire for change. Not only is the traffic there frustrating for those queueing but the air pollution produced by that traffic is unhealthy for those living in and visiting the area and discourages people from walking, wheeling, cycling and visiting the street.

"Standing traffic in Gillygate has a greater impact on poor air quality due to the narrow canyon-like shape of the street, with polluted air trapped for longer than on other streets.

"I am grateful to Gillygate area air quality action group and the York Civic Trust for working with us as we explore the options included in the report.

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"We all want to better understand any wider impacts, how we can best address this problem and hopefully find a long-term solution that will noticeably improve air quality and tackle congestion.

"Achieving this would help us to deliver on the local transport strategy priorities that York is a healthier, more sustainable and better-connected city."

Cllr Jenny Kent, the executive member for environment, said "doing nothing is not an option".

"The health of people visiting, living and working on Gillygate is suffering as a result of the poor air quality," she said.

"We know that vehicle traffic is a major contributor to air pollution on the street and we are committed to addressing the problem and putting the health and wellbeing of people first."

Tony May, chair of York Civic Trust’s environment committee, added: "Gillygate has air pollution levels which have exceeded government thresholds for many years, and it is clear that much of that pollution is caused by traffic. 

"We are pleased to have been able to support the Gillygate area air quality action group, and the council, in developing this trial and in designing the proposed surveys."

In 2023 the council held a two week trial in Gillygate. They said it was successful in reducing queueing traffic on the street, but raised concerns about longer queues in Lord Mayor’s Walk and Clarence Street.