Greener taxi licensing policy introduced in York

 Taxi-to-York-Castle-MuseumCity of York Council’s newly approved taxi licensing policy aims to cut pollution from York’s fleet.

The new policy which consolidates all previous taxi licensing decisions into one single formal document, restricts harmful emissions from taxis and private hire vehicles as part of an over-arching strategy to improve air quality in the city.

The council currently licenses183 hackney carriage and 580 private hire vehicles, this fleet of 763 vehicles has a significant impact on air quality in the city. So, York’s new policy focuses on requiring the purchase of replacement vehicles which meet certain emission standards. These will help cut levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulates in the city’s air that can damage health, as well as cutting down on carbon dioxide, a ‘greenhouse gas’ which has an environmental impact.

Zero emission taxi

Zero emission taxi

Vehicles applying to be licensed as taxis must meet European Standards known as minimum Euro 5 for petrol*,  Euro 6 for diesel*, or ultra low emission vehicles from 1 June 2017 for replacement hackney carriage vehicles, and from 1 November 2017 for replacement private hire vehicles.

Currently one in ten York taxis are a hybrid or electric taxi due to City of York Council establishing the UK’s first low emission taxi incentive scheme to encourage uptake and embed knowledge and confidence in these vehicles.

Following an eight-week consultation and representations from taxi and private hire operators, an amendment was made to the policy to reflect that the choice and costs of buying wheelchair-accessible vehicles is relatively limited.
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What’s on in York: Free Guided Bike Rides in York!

Various meeting points : Sun 15 May : Various Times : Free

British Cycling _Sky Ride Local Poster - Social MediaThe City of York Council Sport and Active Leisure Team have continued their partnership with British Cycling to provide the Sky Ride Local programme to York residents. The Sky Ride Local programme offers free guided bike rides starting at a variety of locations across the city.

This year’s programme offers riders with progressive rides over a 10 week block starting from one of three locations within the city. This article is promoting the rides taking place around the Heslington area. The programme offers three beginner/easy rides, followed by four steady/intermediate rides, followed by three challenging rides.

It is encouraged that people book onto these rides in advance via http://www.goskyride.com/. The website also provides further information about the rides, including ride duration and meeting points. Information on rides starting from different locations within York is also available via the above link. If you have any questions please contact Matt Orme (Matthew.Orme@york.gov.uk) on 01904 551577.

The first two rides take place at the York Cycle Circuit, the timings for which vary. Following this all rides will start at 10am, although the finish time will depend upon length/difficulty of ride. Exact timings for all rides are available at http://www.goskyride.com/.

Plus many more cycling events throughout May.

  • Bike Belles Social ride to Askham Bryan follow link here
  • Try Cycling Saturdays follow link here.
  • Bike Belles York Greenways Charity ride in aid of York Blind and Partially Society follow link here
  • Coffee and Cake Bike Maintenance Workshop follow link here.

 

£500,000 fund to support older adults in York

 elderly_couple_playing_poker_royalty_free_080816-160588-867042Members of City of York Council’s Executive will be asked to consider plans to invest in schemes to support older and vulnerable adults at a meeting later this month (19 May).

The aim of the £500,000 ‘Community Fund budget’ is to invest in community initiatives which prevent or delay the need for people to access statutory social care provision by supporting the development of community and voluntary sector capacity to identify and respond to local needs.

Local Ward Committees have already been allocated £150,000 over two years and members are being asked to approve plans to create a ‘Community Fund pot’ to support priorities identified by local residents and ward members. Officers from the Communities Team and Adult Social Care would provide support and provide a framework of potential initiatives that would meet the needs of local residents.

Potential initiatives could include:

  • Community transport
  • Befriending/social clubs and activities
  • Local handyperson schemes
  • Falls prevention
  • Good neighbour initiatives/

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